For 13 years, lace has been a signature at Maneesha Ruia, reinterpreted across fabrics, silhouettes, and occasions. The luxury accessories house, founded in 2013 by Creative Director Maneesha Ruia, has developed a distinct approach to the lace scarf, treating lace not as an embellishment but as an integral part of the design from the outset.
"I have always been drawn to the diversity within lace: its delicacy and boldness," says Maneesha Ruia, Creative Director & Founder. "Lace has a unique character, a vintage appeal that somehow feels remarkably modern. 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."
That philosophy shapes how the brand approaches a lace scarf. Lace can determine the character of a piece, appearing as a panel through the body, framing a motif or print, or emerging through individually appliquéd elements. Different laces—Chantilly, filigree, Duchesse, and Alençon—bring distinct qualities, while cutwork, scallop, and appliqué introduce further possibilities. Layering two or three laces over an edge can add depth, and carefully placed details reveal themselves differently as the scarf is folded or draped.
The allure also lies in how lace converses with other crafts. A lace motif may meet hand embroidery; floral appliqué may be set against beadwork; a hand-painted scarf may find its finishing counterpoint in an intricate lace detail. This interplay between restraint and intricacy is central to the Maneesha Ruia aesthetic. With craftsmanship at the heart of every piece, a scarf can take up to 72 hours to complete.
Each lace motif is carefully cut, positioned, and stitched by hand, with some designs requiring the lace to be hand-machined onto the scarf. Every placement is considered not only as it appears on a flat surface but for how it will behave once worn. Depending on intricacy, a single scarf can require 40 to 72 hours of artisan work. The collection remains intentionally small, allowing each piece the time and attention it demands.
While lace has traditionally been associated with weddings and celebrations, the modern lace scarf brings that intricacy into everyday settings. A relaxed shoulder drape can soften tailoring, while a classic French drape brings a polished finish to a coat or sweater. For a more defined silhouette, a belted scarf transforms the piece into an unexpected layer. The brand's occasion wear scarves extend the same principle to celebratory dressing, adding intricacy without overwhelming a look.
Over 13 years, the house has continued to return to lace, exploring different fabrics, colors, motifs, techniques, and treatments while maintaining a constant instinct: take a beautiful craft, look beyond its obvious application, and make it relevant to the way women dress today. Lace can be layered, appliquéd, embroidered, understated, or allowed to take center stage, yet the sensibility remains unmistakably Maneesha Ruia.
For the house, lace has become more than a material or an embellishment—it has become a language through which craftsmanship, femininity, and contemporary elegance continue to meet. Thirteen years on, the conversation is still evolving.
Every Maneesha Ruia scarf is made in India, with craftsmanship at the heart of its design process. The house works with GOTS-approved fabrics and AZO-free dyes, reflecting its commitment to thoughtful material choices and responsible production. Excess production materials are donated to Hamaara Sapna, while a share of proceeds from every purchase supports the Akanksha Foundation's work in providing education to underprivileged children.
