Konkana Bakshi on Why High Society Is Rediscovering the Art of Deportment
- ByStartupStory | March 12, 2026
In an age defined by speed, digital communication, and constant visibility, a quiet cultural shift is taking place in elite circles around the world. Increasingly, high society is rediscovering the value of deportment — the subtle art of carrying oneself with grace, composure, and confidence.
At the centre of this revival in India is etiquette consultant Konkana Bakshi, whose work through Savoir Faire Académie is reintroducing timeless principles of elegance to a new generation of professionals, entrepreneurs, and socially conscious individuals.
For centuries, deportment was considered an essential part of education in aristocratic and diplomatic circles. From royal courts in Europe to the salons of Paris and London, posture, poise, and polished manners were viewed not merely as social niceties but as markers of culture and refinement. A person’s presence — how they entered a room, sat at a table, greeted guests, or conducted conversation — communicated far more than words ever could.
Over time, however, many of these traditions faded as modern life became faster and less formal. Yet in recent years, there has been a renewed appreciation for the quiet power of grace.
According to Konkana Bakshi, deportment is far more than learning how to sit or walk elegantly. It is about cultivating awareness of oneself and others.
“True elegance is never theatrical,” she explains. “It is composed, thoughtful, and respectful. Deportment teaches us how to carry ourselves with dignity in every situation.”
Through Savoir Faire Académie, Bakshi has developed immersive programmes that focus on the fundamentals of refined conduct. Participants learn the art of posture and movement, international dining etiquette, gracious hosting, polished conversation, and the subtleties of professional presence.
These lessons, once reserved for royal households and diplomatic families, are now increasingly sought after by entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, and young professionals who recognise that personal presence can be a powerful form of influence.
“People often believe confidence comes from speaking loudly or dominating a room,” Bakshi notes. “In reality, the most powerful presence is calm, composed, and self-assured.”
One of the central principles of deportment is posture. Standing tall with relaxed shoulders and balanced poise communicates assurance without arrogance. Similarly, the way a person sits, walks, or gestures can convey a sense of composure that leaves a lasting impression.
Equally important is the art of gracious hosting and dining etiquette. In an increasingly globalised world, professionals frequently attend formal dinners, diplomatic receptions, and international gatherings where refined social skills are invaluable.
At Savoir Faire Académie, students are guided through the nuances of international table manners, guest etiquette, and elegant conversation — skills that allow individuals to move confidently in sophisticated social environments.
Yet Bakshi emphasises that deportment is not about rigid rules or artificial behaviour. Instead, it is about cultivating a sense of ease and respect in every interaction.
“Etiquette is ultimately about consideration for others,” she says. “When you are mindful of how your behaviour affects the people around you, grace becomes natural.”
This philosophy has resonated strongly with a generation seeking authenticity alongside sophistication. In an era when much of life unfolds online, many individuals are rediscovering the value of real-world presence — the ability to engage thoughtfully, communicate elegantly, and navigate social situations with quiet confidence.
The growing popularity of finishing schools like Savoir Faire Académie reflects this shift. Rather than relics of a bygone era, such institutions are being reimagined as spaces where timeless social intelligence meets modern leadership.
For Konkana Bakshi, the resurgence of deportment represents something deeper than etiquette training. It signals a broader desire for civility, refinement, and meaningful human connection.
“In a world that moves very quickly,” she reflects, “grace reminds us to slow down, to be present, and to treat one another with respect.”
And perhaps that is why high society — and increasingly the wider world — is rediscovering the quiet elegance of deportment. In the end, true sophistication has never been about status or luxury. It is about how one carries oneself with dignity, kindness, and timeless grace. 
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