Alayna Zaid turns bud of art into bloom of fashion in couture brand

Alayna Zaid is the founder and creative director of SIORAI, a new-age fashion label that champions individuality, artistic expression and contemporary elegance, based in India, with a global outlook and universal outreach. Possessing a background in the arts and a keen eye for design, hers is a fresh and bold voice in the world of haute couture.

She is the daughter of Uzma Irfan, Director, Prestige Group and Founder of The Collection @UB City, and Zaid Sadiq. Uzma is also the Founder of Sublime Galleria, the art gallery with spaces in Bengaluru and Hyderabad in India. Sublime Galleria has also had a presence in Art Dubai.

Alayna grew up immersed in a world of curated aesthetics, creative enterprise, and global influence. Such early experiences shaped her design sensibilities and entrepreneurial spirit; it has inspired her to build a label that is expressive and eye-catching.

Launched this year, SIORAI reflects Alayna’s signature style — elegant, bold, and trend-aware. With a keen understanding of Gen Z’s values and aspirations, she has crafted a brand that speaks to its individuality, identity, and self-expression, through fashion, with origins in art.

Alayna had made a name for her modern take on power dressing and elevated essentials; she is now setting original standards in contemporary fashion. As she shapes SIORAI’s journey, she is committed to redefining luxury as an evolving, meaningful experience for today’s generation. According to her, there is a gap in the Indian market for home-grown, Western luxury brands, for young adults. While there is plenty of luxury in Indian wear, Western wear is neglected in this space. SIORAI aims to bring newness and fill this gap.

Swinging fashion, flourishing design (left), and Local design, global wear.

In an interview to Deccan Chronicle, the English-language daily newspaper based in Hyderabad, Alayna said that her passion for fashion “is an extension of my artistic side, and I love bringing my creativity to life through wearable art.” Each piece in her collection features hand-done embroidery or some form of traditional craftsmanship, in a nod to India’s rich heritage and the skills of its artisans. “By incorporating these traditional techniques, I am staying grounded to my roots and celebrating the beauty of Indian craftsmanship,” Alayna says. “It’s a way to preserve and showcase the country’s rich artisanal legacy.” Alayna Zaid speaks to Gulf Today

What is the full form of SIORAI?

SIORAI (pronounced sigh-oh-rai) is an Irish word that means “everlasting”. The name captures our belief in making clothes that go beyond trends and stay timeless.

How has your art background shaped your fashion sensibility?

I started as a visual artist and had my first solo art show at the age of nine. That early experience with colour, shape and texture, really shaped my eye for design. At SIORAI, my artistic background is deeply present in how each piece is imagined. The clothes are thoughtful, emotional, and almost sculptural in form.

Why did you enter the fashion field?

Fashion felt like a natural next step in my creative journey. I began with art, but fashion gave me another way to express identity. There’s also a strong personal connection as my great-grandfather began with a tailoring store in Bengaluru, which later evolved into the Prestige Group. SIORAI is my way of bringing that legacy into today’s world, through my own creative lens.

What are the strong points of SIORAI?

Our strength lies in how we bring together intention, craft, and style. Every piece is designed to be versatile and long-lasting, made by skilled artisans in India using thoughtful materials. We sit in the luxury–contemporary space, offering fashion that’s confident, yet playful. Most importantly, SIORAI isn’t just about clothes; it’s about bringing timeless elegance into everyday dressing.

Fashion designer Alayna Zaid.

How has your family influenced your fashion aesthetic?

Fashion runs deep in my family. My great-grandfather, Abdul Razack Sattar, started with a small tailoring and fabric shop in Bengaluru - a humble beginning that eventually led to the Prestige Group. I grew up surrounded by creativity, enterprise, and a deep respect for craftsmanship. That shaped how I see detail, fabric, and design. SIORAI is my way of honouring that legacy while giving it a fresh, modern voice. It’s not about recreating the past, it’s about carrying its spirit forward in a way that feels intentional, personal, and rooted.

How do you update yourself on fashion trends?

I don’t really follow trends in the usual way. At SIORAI, we create pieces that are enduring, designs and cuts that feel relevant across seasons. I’m more interested in how people connect and storytelling than what’s currently “in fashion”. To me, it’s always about lasting style over fast fashion.

How do you keep the intimidation factor out of power dressing?

For us, power dressing is about elegance and strength. We create pieces with structured silhouettes, balanced by softer drapes and lighter fabrics.

How are art and fashion linked?

For me, art and fashion are deeply connected. I see clothes as wearable art. Every piece designed starts with a story or emotion. Whether it’s through fabric, form or detail, the goal is always to create something that not only looks beautiful, but feels meaningful too.

How will SIORAI develop in the next five years?

In the coming years, I hope to grow SIORAI slowly and meaningfully expanding and connecting with a wider audience. The brand will continue focusing on craft, emotion and classic design, while exploring new creative directions.