P N RAO Unveils Kanjivaram-Inspired Menswear Starting At ₹20,000

CW Bureau ·

P N RAO Fine Suits, established in 1923, has unveiled ‘Weaves of Legacy: Timeless Art of the Kanjivaram’, a menswear collection that brings traditional South Indian motifs and temple-inspired designs into contemporary power-suiting.

The collection was unveiled in Bengaluru and will be available at P N RAO stores in Anna Nagar and TTK Road, Alwarpet in Chennai. The ready-to-wear suits are priced at approximately ₹20,000 while the made-to-measure range starts from ₹30,000 to ₹45,000.

The launch featured a curated fashion show accompanied by a live Carnatic music performance.

Temple motifs find a place in contemporary suiting
The collection takes inspiration from the visual traditions of Kanchipuram, known for its historic temples and Kanjivaram silk weaving heritage. It reinterprets traditional motifs, including the Yazhi, peacock, lotus and elephant, through contemporary menswear designs.

Intricate patterns and ornamental details drawn from temple carvings are combined with vivid colours and geometric designs to create suits that blend traditional influences with modern silhouettes.

Rather than reproducing traditional motifs directly, the collection seeks to translate their cultural significance into contemporary formalwear, positioning craftsmanship and design as central elements of the brand’s latest offering.

P N RAO sharpens its design-led approach
P N RAO Fine Suits Partner Ketan Pishe said the collection reflected the brand’s commitment to craftsmanship and its contribution to the suiting segment.

“‘Weaves of Legacy’ reflects our dedication and commitment to our business journey and contribution to the suit segment, with Kanjivaram’s opulence, artistry, and visual language translated through the signature sensibility of P N RAO. We have explored its vivid palette, intricate geometry, and cultural symbolism to create a new chapter for contemporary menswear,” he said.

“AW 2026 represents a defining shift for us—more experimental, more design-conscious, and deeply rooted in craftsmanship. Every look is intended to feel assured yet effortless, bringing together tradition and modernity with nuance, sophistication, and a distinctly individual character,” Pishe added.

The brand describes its Autumn-Winter 2026 collection as part of a broader evolution towards a more design-conscious identity, while retaining its emphasis on tailoring and precision.

A century-old legacy
Founded in Bengaluru in 1923 by the late Pishe Narayan Rao, P N RAO has grown from a modest store on M G Road into a brand associated with bespoke suiting.

The business is currently managed by the third generation of the founding family. Its presence extends across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Hubli, Coimbatore and Chennai.

With ‘Weaves of Legacy’, the brand is looking to draw on its heritage while introducing a contemporary design vocabulary to its menswear offerings.