Earlier this year, Puerto Rican influencer Barbie Brignoni rocked the street style at New York’s Fashion Week in a pair of stitch-detailed tissue trousers by Saaksha & Kinni. As delighted as we were to spot desi cred on the high-powered fashion circuit, it was hardly a surprise; the designer duo’s work has always been about a uniquely rooted-yet-global look.
Which is why, Priyanka Chopra wears their leheriya capes on yachts and Freida Pinto wears their Ikat skirt to her premieres.
With their new autumn/winter collection Arcus, the designer duo has romanticised their love for Gujarat’s renowned Ikat work and Rajasthan’s infamous Leheriya prints, albeit with a global edit, which also dive into the history of the unique prints that are specifically worn by the Fakirani Jatts of Kutch.
We found flowy-but-empowering silhouettes and some popping print trends on homegrown weaves which come together to create a dynamic energy which appeals to Gen-Z fashionistas all over the globe. American singer-songwriter Olivia O’Brien wore their Ikat print trousers with a slinky bralet at a recent Washington music festival! We caught up with Saaksha Bhat and Kinnari Kamat to catch us up on their plans:
Tell us when you started Saaksha & Kinni and the idea behind it
We started the label in 2016 with the idea to celebrate Indian prints and embroidery techniques in a global, contemporary manner.
Tell us something about your winter/festive collection
Our W/F collection is influenced by some cultures of Gujarat and Rajasthan - in particular the Fakirani tribes of Gujarat who have beautiful unique prints featuring heavily as part of their daily traditional wear. We have also focused on the Gujarati technique of mirror and tassel embroidery.
Your label has found a great connect with the younger crowd. Why do you think your numbers stand out?
We think it’s because our silhouettes are very modern and contemporary yet highlight a very deep rooted Indian tradition which appeals to the younger crop. They get to wear classic patola and ikat prints without being restricted to a sari for example.
Saaksha & Kinni is also very popular with Bollywood. Can you tell us what B-town is looking to wear now?
B-town is constantly looking for new and exciting colour combinations, silhouettes and comfortable fabrics. Their requirements are usually, body flattering with that x factor of fun.
What are some of your influences?
We are hugely influenced by paintings and colour combinations found in them, our travels abroad - seeing what modern global women enjoy wearing in their day-to-day lives. When it comes tp other designers, we are huge fans of Dries Van Noten - his mix of prints and colour is second to none.
What do you think could be the winter fashion's biggest trend this year ?
Winter's biggest fashion trend this year is bold colours - think purples, bright pinks and golds.
What are some of your bestsellers (from the new collection)
Some of our best sellers have been the micro pleated maxi dresses and the short kaftan blouses which are very versatile and work on all body types.