Founded by Aavriti R Jain, Dhora is a brand that masterfully fuses bold, contemporary aesthetics with the timeless elegance of Rajasthan’s jewelry. An alumni of Istituto Marangoni Milano, Aavriti was strongly inspired by the aesthetics and design philosophy of Italy which continues to lend a distinctive flair to her designs.
The Dhora collections strike a perfect balance between old-old tradition influenced by the founder’s vibrant Rajasthani roots and the modern minimalism of Milan. The brand’s handcrafted jewelry reimagines classic art forms with a fresh, free-spirited touch. We had the pleasure of chatting with Aavriti about her creative journey, inspirations, and her design philosophy.
What inspired you to become a designer?
I’ve always been inclined towards creating. The journey of bringing an idea or thought to life has always been exhilarating for me. Dhora is just an accumulation of multiple years of repeating that process.
What was the creative process behind your latest collection?
My last collection was inspired by a recent trip to Dhermi in Albania. The ocean, palm trees, life underwater, and anything that can take me back to that place is what I chose to cast in metal.
What sets your brand apart from others in the industry?
There’s a lot of heart and soul that goes into every piece. It’s our attention to detail and personal touch we add to each product that sets us apart.
How would you describe the aesthetic of your brand?
Minimal, clean and largely inspired by nature, Rajasthani culture and Italian architecture.
What materials and techniques do you typically use in your designs?
We usually work with brass and silver with gold plating. Everything’s handcrafted, we try to avoid the use of too much machinery.
Is there a specific message that you aim to convert through your collections?
We understand the importance of being one with nature, and we try to embody that through our pieces.
How do you innovate and keep your designs fresh and relevant?
By doing things that keep my guard down and make me more receptive like traveling, reading, etc. Even if I’m watching a show on Netflix, my focus is more on how the jewelry fits onto the outfits, rather than the storyline.
Can you share any challenges you’ve faced as a designer and how you’ve overcome them?
I haven’t faced as many challenges as a designer as I have as an entrepreneur. The industry, vendors and contractors are so used to dealing with just men, that I really had to recondition myself and be stern to get the job done. But this journey has been extremely empowering and I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
