KAVI’s KAVI’s Take on Affordable East Indian Luxe

In case you haven’t noticed there has been an explosion of designers of East Indian descent that are making incredible inroads in the US ready-to-wear market. From Prabal Gurung, who has dressed First Lady Michelle Obama, to Naeem Khan, whose garments are a mainstay on red carpets, to the fashion-forward sophistication of Sachin + Babi, East Indian designers and/or brands that reference the rich traditions of the Silk Road are becoming the order of the day.  Whether these designers infuse East Indian design aesthetics into their collections or their garments have that extra special something that is making Americans consumers stand up and take notice, it is all too obvious that this proliferation is not a passing fancy or trend.

KAVI KAVI is one emerging brand that has set its goal on capturing a US market.  Designers Dipika and Ravika Gupta since their early childhood in Canada have funneled their love of fashion and design into career that has rendered success on the North American continent as well as in India. From 2005 to 2008 they showcased their collections at the L’Oreal Fashion Week and their garments have appeared in Elle Canada, Flare Canada and Vision magazines.

With their ‘Indian Royalty’ collection, KAVI KAVI looked to their Motherland for inspiration. “Because of our East Indian heritage, especially in this collection I was influenced by my trip to Jaipur—an Indian city that is thousands of years old and is called the princess city,” details Dipika Gupta. “Many European designers—Dior, McQueen, Yves Saint Laurent, and many others—have looked to India for inspiration; however, because I am from India, the culture is a natural expression of who I am. So, instead of having just a patina of the culture referenced in my collection, I have the beauty and history of Jaipur as an integral part of the collection while still making it modern and accessible to consumers.”

Though the collection does reference East Indian beadwork and embellishment, KAVI KAVI has kept the garments fresh and fashion-forward by subtly mixing the craftsmanship of East Indian artisans with modern textile technologies. “The sequins, or the bling, in my collection is my homage to Western traditions which I believe mixes well with some of the East Indian influences. I wanted to have that synergy between the East and the West funneled through a prism of modernity,” explains Dipika.

And with price points between $300 and $500, consumers will be able to have their own slice of ‘Indian Royalty’ in their wardrobe. “Though, I call my collection Indian Royalty, I still want a young consumer to be able to afford my take on luxury and have that experience,” confides Dipika.

Modern East Indian luxury clothes at an affordable price; hmm, seems like a win-win!!

For more information on KAVI KAVI, go to kavikavi.com.

—William S. Gooch