For over a decade, lace has been more than an embellishment at Maneesha Ruia; it has been a defining element of the brand's identity. The luxury accessories house, founded in 2013 by Creative Director Maneesha Ruia, has spent 13 years refining the art of the lace scarf, treating lace as an integral part of design rather than a finishing touch. This approach has not only distinguished the brand but also highlighted the value of slow craftsmanship in a fast-fashion world.
"I have always been drawn to the diversity within lace: its delicacy and boldness. Lace has a unique character, a vintage appeal that somehow feels remarkably modern," says Maneesha Ruia. "Over the years, we have continued to explore what lace can become when it is treated not simply as an embellishment, but as an integral part of the design." This philosophy means that lace can dictate the character of a scarf, appearing as a panel, framing a motif, or emerging through appliquéd elements. The distinction is subtle but significant: when lace is part of the design from the start, it influences how a scarf drapes, moves, and catches the light.
The brand employs a variety of lace types—Chantilly, filigree, Duchesse, and Alençon—each bringing a different character. Cutwork, motifs, scallop, and appliqué introduce further possibilities. Layering two or three laces over an edge adds depth, while carefully placed details reveal themselves differently as the scarf is folded or draped. This versatility has kept lace compelling for the house for more than a decade.
What sets Maneesha Ruia apart is the seamless integration of lace with other crafts. A lace motif may meet hand embroidery, floral appliqué may be set against beadwork, and a hand-painted scarf may find its finishing counterpoint in an intricate lace detail. The result is an interplay between restraint and intricacy that is central to the brand's aesthetic. Each scarf can take up to 72 hours to complete, with every lace motif carefully cut, positioned, and stitched by hand. This meticulous process ensures that a motif looks perfectly composed on a cutting table and retains its balance when worn. Depending on the design's intricacy, a single scarf can require 40 to 72 hours of artisan work.
The modern lace scarf has evolved beyond traditional wedding and celebration wear. It now adapts to everyday settings, whether draped over a shoulder to soften tailoring or styled with a classic French drape for a polished look. A belted scarf transforms the piece into an unexpected layer, and paired with a white shirt, denim, or a cashmere sweater, lace takes on an entirely different character. This versatility extends to the brand's occasion wear scarves, which add intricacy to celebratory looks without overwhelming them.
Over 13 years, Maneesha Ruia has continued to return to lace, exploring different fabrics, colors, motifs, and techniques while maintaining a constant instinct: take a beautiful craft, look beyond its obvious application, and make it relevant to the way women dress today. The fabric, color, and scale of the motif can change, but the sensibility remains unmistakably Maneesha Ruia. For the house, lace has become a language through which craftsmanship, femininity, and contemporary elegance continue to meet.
This commitment to craftsmanship is also reflected in the brand's responsible practices. Every Maneesha Ruia scarf is made in India using GOTS-approved fabrics and AZO-free dyes. Excess production materials are donated to Hamaara Sapna, and a share of proceeds from every purchase supports the Akanksha Foundation's work in providing education to underprivileged children. As fashion moves quickly, Maneesha Ruia's 13-year journey with lace demonstrates that a house signature can endure by evolving while staying true to its core values.
