Today we’d like to introduce you to Ruby Bhandari.
Ruby (voted as D Magazine’s 10 Most Beautiful Women in Dallas in 2013), founded Silk Threads, Inc. out of her personal desire (and need) for fashionable ethnic wear that reflected her Indian heritage, but also spoke to her Western sensibilities. Born in New York and raised in Austin, Texas, Ruby started Silk Threads while still pursuing her degree at the University of Texas at Austin.
Soon, Ruby realized that there was an under-served market for high-end designs for the growing South Asian-American community – so she decided to open her own manufacturing units in India to better provide the level of service and quality workmanship that she and her clients had come to expect.
However, Ruby did not just want to create garments – she obsessed on taking the timeless elements of Indian culture – the vibrant colors, the opulent weaves, the regal fabrics, the graceful motifs and the exquisite styles of embroideries – and bring them to a wider audience. Decades before Hollywood discovered Indian artisanal weaves and embellishments, Ruby had started innovating, using a mix of traditional and modern design elements to bring to her clients one of a kind pieces – each of which could tell a different story.
Fast forward to today, Silk Threads still is following the same mantra, with satisfied clients in over 30 States and Canada, and provides collections to over 400 high-end boutiques.
Ruby believes in giving back to the community, working with local and national charities like Mosaic Family Services, American Cancer Society, Indo-American Cancer Association, and Children’s Advocacy of Collin County.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
We face struggles everyday being an entrepreneur from:
-Owning and running a business has it’s every day challenges
-Frequently traveling can be exhausting coming from my own manufacturing units in India back to the states regularly
-Work life balance has taught me many lessons
Silk Threads – what should we know? What do you guys do best? What sets you apart from the competition?
The Silk Threads brand includes custom dresses, exclusive ethnic wear, Bridal trousseaus, and Men’s custom wear, all complemented with elegant accessories, with three primary lines:
Silk Threads by Ruby Bhandari, dealing primarily with bespoke ethnic wear – Salwar Kameez, designer Sarees (or saris), bridal Lehenga Cholis, as well as formal ethnic menswear. Silk Threads is recognized as one of the leading designers of ethnic Bridalwear in the country – helping brides nationwide bring their trousseau dreams to fruition.
Ruby B Collections provides high-end tunics and custom dresses, including mainstream Bridal trousseaus. The tunic line is available at over 400 high-end boutiques around the world.
Silk Threads Menswear by Ruby Bhandari is our fusion menswear line, providing custom ethnic Sherwanis to fusion Partywear to discerning gentlemen around the globe.
Ruby’s work has received glowing reviews in ethnic as well as mainstream press, including CBS, ABC, FOX, Women’s Wear Daily, Home Decor, Dallas Morning News, D Magazine, India Today, etc. She is also a frequent guest on radio and TV shows, giving her input on current fashion trends and celebrity dressing and helps produce major Fashion Shows. Ruby’s designs are worn and appreciated by several Bollywood celebrities as well.
What moment in your career do you look back most fondly on?
Every time I see people wear my designs and it brings out their inner strong confidence. Every time, that is my proudest moment that I keep reliving over and over.
Pricing:
- $70-$100
- $300-$500
- $1000+
Contact Info:
- Address: 12200 N. Stemmons Fwy, Suite 301, Dallas, TX 75234
- Website: http://www.silkthreads.com
- Phone: 972.432.9599
- Email: ruby@silkthreads.com
- Instagram: silkthreadsinc
- Facebook: @SilkThreadsByRubyBhandari
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
