Banarasi Heritage Blooms on the Cricket Field with Ekaya’s New Warriorz Kit

Luxury fashion brand Ekaya has forged a unique partnership with the UP Warriorz, a women’s cricket team, to create a distinctive new sporting kit steeped in Banarasi heritage. This collaboration extends beyond mere apparel design, culminating in the creation of a women’s jersey, aptly named “A Blooming Rebellion,” which seamlessly blends the dynamism of modern sport with the rich traditions of Indian craftsmanship.

The driving force behind this alliance is a shared vision of empowerment and cultural impact. Jinisha Sharma, Director of Capri Sports, the organization behind the UP Warriorz, emphasized this, stating that the team was founded on the principle that women’s participation in sports transcends athletic achievement, actively shaping culture. The jersey, she explained, embodies this belief, uniting Banarasi artistry with contemporary ambition to create a kit that carries significant meaning both on and off the field – a representation of Uttar Pradesh’s pride, the strength of its women, and a future where tradition and progress harmoniously coexist.

Ekaya has been designated as the official design partner for the UP Warriorz, and the collaboration is centered around celebrating identity, ambition, and cultural pride. The jersey’s design incorporates traditional floral motifs, carefully selected for their symbolism of strength and renewal. These motifs are skillfully rendered to create the visual impression of silk on high-performance athletic textiles, presented in a vibrant yellow hue. The patterned border of the jersey is intentionally reminiscent of a traditional saree border, further emphasizing the Banarasi influence.

Palak Shah, Founder and CEO of Ekaya Banaras, articulated the instinctive nature of this partnership. Ekaya, positioning itself as India’s first luxury handloom brand, has always championed women’s roles in narrative creation, particularly within a craft sector historically dominated by men. Shah highlighted the brand’s commitment to a female-led and represented ecosystem. Given cricket’s historical association as a “gentleman’s sport,” the opportunity to design for a women’s cricket team actively forging its own space felt particularly resonant, representing a shared commitment to shifting perspectives, empowering women, and redefining the relevance of legacy crafts in the modern world.

Ekaya currently operates flagship retail stores in New Delhi and Mumbai, alongside an online presence, allowing customers to experience its luxury handloom offerings. Capri Sports, as part of Capri Global Holding’s diverse portfolio, brings a broader business acumen to the partnership, extending beyond sports into various financial sectors.