The Maharaja of Jaipur talks taste

The Maharaja of Jaipur talks taste Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh’s personal style is exemplified by tailored bandhgala jackets and his passion for polo, evident in his acquisition of horses and dedication to the sport. He finds deep meaning in the City Palace in Jaipur and cherishes family heirlooms and his pug, Marcel. His experiences, including a serious accident, have strengthened his family bonds, and he values the humility and conduct of everyday Rajasthani villagers as his style icons.

• His personal style includes tailored bandhgala jackets, often adorned with a pocket square in Jaipur’s Pachranga colors.
• He is an avid polo player and frequently purchases horses, with his latest mare arriving from Argentina.
• The City Palace in Jaipur, where he resides, holds significant personal meaning, alongside the Jantar Mantar observatory.
• He recently read “Sir P – A Hundred Years On,” a biography of Sir Pratap Singh, appreciating his life of service.
• Polo is his favorite game, a family tradition since the 19th century, providing a sense of freedom and exhilaration.
• A significant gift was an original brooch from his maternal grandfather’s army regiment.
• His pug, Marcel, is described as the best gift he’s ever received, having a profound impact on his life.
• He experienced a severe car accident in Scotland that broke his spine, an event that ultimately brought his family closer.
• He collects camel leather jutti slip-ons from Rajasthan, often gifted by a former palace guard.
• His grandmother’s unfiltered humor is a source of laughter, contrasting with today’s more cautious communication.
• Ice packs are a constant in his fridge due to frequent polo-related injuries and are also used for his horses.
• A black phulgar (quilted velvet overcoat) was a recent clothing addition, and he wore another to the Met Gala.
• His suitcase always contains a family photo and a versatile malmal shirt, alongside a well-loved leather suitcase inherited from his father.
• Coconut oil is his sole grooming staple, used for face, hair, and beard.
• The Chandra Mahal veranda in the City Palace is his favorite space for its view and serene atmosphere.
• A piece of grass from Patagonia symbolizes the perspective gained from his travels.
• Everyday Rajasthani villagers, with their dignified demeanor, are his style icons.
• He recently downloaded “Dungar” by Sawan Khan, appreciating the coexistence of diverse communities as shown through Manganiyar music.
• He feels a deep sense of belonging in Jaipur and with his family, though travel provides a new perspective.
• His student experience in Rome, particularly visiting the Pantheon, led him to appreciate his own origins and Jaipur’s art.
• His guiding principle is “what goes around, comes around,” reflecting a belief in karma or cycles of life. Continue reading https://www.ft.com/content/08c3965b-2a63-4274-ad41-89abbc8c7232