Musings of a Creative Director: In Conversation with Pallavi Shantam

Pallavi is wearing Flower Picker Jamdani Shirt with Fanfare Linen Gilet and Clay Story Skirt

A dialogue with Pallavi, founder of Buna Studio, where she reflects on nurturing a business, balancing life, and sustainability in fashion.

Take us back to the very inception – where did the journey of Buna start? What were you most inspired by?

Buna was born out of my deep love for Indian textiles and crafts. I was inspired by my numerous travels to weaving and craft clusters across India, which allowed me to immerse myself in the local traditions of handloom weaving and hand block printing. This laid the foundation for Buna, where the focus is on creating timeless, comfortable pieces that carry hints of bohemia. The journey of Buna has always been about honoring slower traditions, craftsmanship, and ethical design practices.

Pallavi is wearing Flower Picker Jamdani Shirt and Leisurely days Smock Midi Dress

How do your personal beliefs shape Buna Studio’s identity?

My life is deeply influenced by Zen and Advaita philosophies. I have known that slow and conscious living is the optimum way of living life. This creates space for stillness, where creativity truly flourishes. I focus on mindfulness and a connection to nature, craft and community. This is reflected in our designs, which are free-spirited, feminine, and delicate. Our use of light, floaty hand-woven fabrics, and vintage influences convey a sense of calm and grace that aligns with my own ethos of a serene and thoughtful existence.

Pallavi is wearing Serenity Linen Jacket on left and Airy Impressions Smock Dress on right

Space is an essential part of your creative process. How have you personalized your studio, and how does it influence your work?

My studio is a sanctuary where new ideas flows freely. It’s a space that allows me to disconnect from the chaos of the outside world and channel my creative energy. Every corner of the studio has been thoughtfully curated to reflect the essence of Buna—calm, intentional, and inspiring. The studio plays a pivotal role in my creative process, offering both protection and a source of inspiration.

As a label that champions slow fashion, how do you believe you’ve shifted the conversation about sustainability?

At Buna, sustainability goes beyond a buzzword. For us, it’s about being mindful of the entire lifecycle of a garment—from the raw materials we choose to the packaging, production process, and ultimately, its longevity. We embrace artisanal-led techniques like weaving and hand block printing to craft handloom cottons, summer silks, linen, and more. Additionally, our packaging is eco-friendly, using compostable plant-made plastic, seed tags made from t-shirt waste, and reusable cloth bags. Our made-to-order model helps us avoid overproduction and surplus stock, ensuring we minimize wastage at every step.

What’s next for Buna Studio?

We are continuing to explore ways to deepen our commitment to sustainability. We're focusing on integrating more handloom weaving clusters and expanding our range while ensuring we maintain our core values of mindfulness and craftsmanship. We are also thinking about expanding into retail stores, making it easier for customers to experience Buna in person. Additionally, I’m very excited about a small artisanal jewelry line that we’ll be launching soon, which will complement our clothing collections beautifully. Stay tuned for exciting new launches we have planned in the coming months.

Lastly, tell us about your personal style. What’s your workwear uniform?

My workwear is a reflection of my personal beliefs—simple, comfortable, and timeless. I often gravitate towards floaty silhouettes, soft fabrics, and neutral tones. You’ll often find me in one of Buna’s own pieces—a breezy wrap dress or a comfortable linen outfit.

Pallavi is wearing Homeland Sun Dress

What does Buna team look like?

My husband, Shivam who is the managing director at Buna, is the driving force behind bringing my creative vision to life. Working together as a couple has been an incredible journey! As the Creative Director, I handle the heart of design, while my husband brings his expertise in connecting Buna with the world. We each bring our strengths to the table, and it feels like the perfect balance. Building Buna together has meant aligning our vision from the very beginning. Our mission to spread joy and celebrate craftsmanship has always been our guiding light. Our focus has been primarily on creating excellence, which has worked wonderfully for Buna.

Alongside him, I’m fortunate to have an incredible team of managers, merchandisers, supervisors, and skilled craftspeople. Each member plays an indispensable role in ensuring that Buna runs seamlessly, from the initial design stages to the final handcrafted piece. It’s truly a collective effort, and their passion and dedication help turn our ideas into reality. Together, we are able to uphold the essence of the brand while staying true to our artisanal roots.

Pallavi is wearing Cherry wood Midi Dress with Serendipity Pants

Your home is warm and welcoming. How have you designed your home to be your oasis of calm?

Yes, the energy in my home is very intentional. I’ve designed it to be a sanctuary where I can completely unwind. It’s filled with elements of nature—soft textures, warm hues, and spaces that encourage relaxation. It’s my little corner where I feel at peace.

Quick Musings

• 3 items at the work desk you just can’t do without: My sketchbook, a cup of herbal tea, and a fresh bunch of flowers.
• Describe the quintessential Buna woman in a sentence: She is free-spirited, feminine, and deeply connected to nature.
• A personal fashion tip/hack you follow religiously: Always choose comfort, and let your outfit reflect your inner calm.

• Favorite playlist for chilling at home: It really depends on my mood. In the mornings, I enjoy listening to ragas and classical Indian music. For unwinding later in the day, I usually go for something soft and acoustic, like Norah Jones or Chris Isaak. In between, I love listening to varied genres from Jazz to Rock to Blues.
• Most prized possession: Heirloom jewelry passed down from my grandmother, with each piece carrying timeless stories and the cherished memories of generations before me. I also have a few vintage Banarasi sarees gifted by my mother-in-law, which I wear whenever I get the chance to dress up—treasures that embody generations of love and tradition.

 Curation and copy: Gariyashi Bhuyan
Photography: Mehak Singhal