In the walled havelis of old Rajasthan, the fish — machli — was never just a creature of water. It was a symbol stitched into doorways and dowry textiles alike, a talisman for abundance, fertility, and the quiet persistence of good fortune. This jacket carries that same language forward, rendered in thread across a field of deep wine velvet.
Rows of plump golden fish swim in formation down the body and sleeves, each one built from dense, textured chain-stitch in warm ochre and antique gold thread — their scales suggested through directional stitching that catches the light. Between them, tasseled palm-fan motifs unfurl like fronds caught mid-sway, framing the fish in a rhythm of repetition that feels almost architectural. The collar, cut high and structured, continues the embroidery to the very edge, lined within in a crimson-and-ivory ticking stripe that peeks out like a secret.
Cropped and cape-like in its drape, this piece sits away from the body with an ease that belies the density of its handwork. It's a jacket built for layering over simple separates — the kind of garment that turns a plain white tee or ivory trousers into something storied, without ever needing to try.
Handcrafted in Jaipur · Hand embroidery on velvet · Limited pieces
KEY FEATURES
Dense hand chain-stitch embroidery in gold and ochre thread on rich maroon velvet
Rare fish (machli) motif drawn from traditional Rajasthani talisman symbolism
Tasseled palm-fan embroidery bordering the body and sleeves
Structured stand collar with contrast striped lining peeking through
Relaxed, cropped silhouette with dramatic cape-like drape
