Sustainable festive dressing gets a modern makeover in Sunhera collection

Karishma Shahani Khan with her sustainable fashion label Ka-Sha continues to redefine festive dressing with a blend of artisanal heritage and modern storytelling. Based in Maharashtra, India, Ka-Sha is known for its commitment to natural, hand-dyed fabrics, zero-waste design methods, and celebration of craft. The label’s latest collection, Sunhera, is no exception.

Honouring tradition while embracing sustainability and modernity

As its name suggests, Sunhera—meaning gold—is rooted in celebration. “This collection is specifically designed to celebrate the festive season in India that began with Ganesh Chaturthi in August,” says Karishma. “Hence the prominent use of metallic accents.” Drawing from India’s rich tradition of dressing in shimmer and shine during festivals, Sunhera introduces metallic touches of gold, silver, and bronze to Ka-Sha’s signature black and white applique designs, creating a striking visual language that feels both grounded and opulent.

The choice of a monochrome base isn’t new to Ka-Sha—it’s part of the brand’s design DNA. “At Ka-Sha, we consistently focus on innovative surface techniques,” Karishma explains. “Every season, we strive to enhance the craftsmanship from our previous collections. The distinct black and white palette provides the high contrast essential for showcasing our intricate symmetric, geometric, and organic designs.”

Sunhera plays on this tension between contrast and celebration, form and texture. The pieces come alive through an array of appliqué and embroidery techniques using metallic threads. “We’ve worked with a range of techniques to bring these designs to life,” Karishma shares. “From tailor-stitch to machine embroidery with zari threads, hand embroidery, and our classic appliqué work—each process has added depth and dimension to the garments.”

Crafted from various weights and textures of cotton and chanderi fabrics, the collection offers a versatile canvas for embellishment, while ensuring comfort and breathability—an important consideration for modern Indian festive wear. “We have extensively worked with metallic handwoven fabrics and metallic threads for this festive collection, especially the gold,” Karishma notes.

The Sunhera collection includes a curated mix of uppers, skirts, dresses, and outerwear, with a playful sense of style. Standout pieces include the Sunhera Jacket, Sunhera Skirt, Tara Sunhera Skirt, Sher Panbo Jacket, and the Zaveri Varsha Jacket—statement pieces that speak to the celebratory spirit the collection is meant to evoke. “The collection features contemporary dressy skirts paired with coordinating upper wear such as crop tops and shirts with embroidery and appliqué,” Karishma says. “Additionally, we’ve included individual dresses and statement jackets that offer versatility and flair.”

Through Sunhera, Karishma Shahani Khan reaffirms her label’s core ethos: that fashion can be festive without compromising sustainability, and celebratory without losing its soul. It’s a collection made not just to wear—but to honour craft, celebrate heritage, and sparkle with meaning.

Price on request. At Collage, Rutland Gate.

—manuvipin@newindianexpress.com

@ManuVipin

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