Know Your Designer: Episode 35 – Saaksha & Kinni

admin

First Look | Fashion, Lifestyle, Interviews, Events, Shopping.

Redefining Modern Indian Fashion

When you think of contemporary Indian fashion today, one aesthetic stands out—where traditional craftsmanship meets effortless, modern style. Few brands capture this fusion as seamlessly as Saaksha & Kinni.

Known for their bold prints, flowing silhouettes, and rich textile heritage, the duo has carved a unique space in the world of luxe-boho fashion. Their designs prove that comfort and occasion wear don’t have to be separate—you can have both in a single statement piece.

The Creative Minds Behind the Brand

Every successful label begins with a strong partnership. For Saaksha & Kinni, that partnership is both personal and professional.

Founded by sisters-in-law Saaksha Bhat and Kinnari (Kinni) Kamat, the brand thrives on their contrasting strengths:

  • Saaksha, with a background in law from the UK, leads business strategy and global expansion
  • Kinni, a graduate of NIFT, brings deep expertise in textiles, embroidery, and design

Together, they strike the perfect balance—creative vision backed by sharp execution.

From Mumbai to the Global Stage

The label launched around 2016–2017 in Mumbai and quickly gained attention with its debut at Lakmé Fashion Week’s Gen Next showcase.

Their mission was clear: bridge the gap between traditional Indian textiles and contemporary silhouettes. At a time when fashion was divided between heavy ethnic wear and casual western styles, Saaksha & Kinni introduced something refreshingly in-between—heritage pieces that feel just as relevant at a resort as they do at a festive celebration.

Signature Style: Luxe-Bohemian Aesthetic

If there’s one way to describe their design language, it’s luxe-boho.

What Sets Them Apart

  • Bold, multi-colored prints that instantly stand out
  • Flowing, relaxed silhouettes designed for movement
  • Signature micro-pleating that adds volume and texture
  • Subtle metal and stone embroidery for a refined finish

Their focus remains on creating pieces that are as comfortable as they are striking—fashion that feels as good as it looks.

Craftsmanship Rooted in Heritage

Before launching their own label, the duo worked behind the scenes creating intricate embroidery for global luxury houses like Balmain, Elie Saab, and Armani.

This experience shaped their deep respect for craftsmanship. Today, they use lightweight Indian fabrics like chanderi, combining traditional techniques with modern storytelling. Each piece reflects a blend of heritage and innovation.

A Thoughtful Approach to Sustainability

Sustainability is also part of their philosophy. The brand:

  • Uses plastic-free packaging
  • Upcycles leftover fabrics to reduce waste

It’s a conscious effort to create fashion that’s not only beautiful but also responsible.

Expanding Collections and Categories

Over time, Saaksha & Kinni have grown beyond their original offerings.

Their collections—like AKARA, Botanica, Nirah, and Hana—showcase their evolving design narrative. The Hana line even introduced luxury swimwear, marking a bold expansion.

Today, their range includes:

  • Resort wear and swimwear
  • Festive and occasion wear
  • Indo-western silhouettes
  • Kaftans, dresses, lehengas, co-ords, capes, and jumpsuits

Global Recognition and Runway Presence

After their strong debut, the duo became regulars at Indian fashion weeks. But their ambitions didn’t stop there.

By showcasing at international platforms like Coterie, they’ve taken their signature aesthetic to a global audience—transforming from a homegrown label into an internationally recognized brand.

Celebrity Love and Cultural Impact

Celebrity endorsements played a major role in boosting their visibility. Their breakthrough moment came when Sonam Kapoor wore their design, instantly putting the brand in the spotlight.

Since then, their creations have been embraced by:

  • Janhvi Kapoor, Ananya Panday, Sobhita Dhulipala
  • Alia Bhatt, Katrina Kaif, Kareena Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra

More recently, Sara Arjun chose the label for a film promotion event, showing its appeal across generations.

Beyond Fashion: Collaborations and Growth

The brand continues to evolve through creative collaborations:

  • A sustainability-focused partnership with Tencel
  • A home décor collaboration with Westside

Looking ahead, their vision is to become a full-fledged lifestyle brand, expanding into kidswear, accessories, and home collections.

What Makes Saaksha & Kinni Unique

Their biggest strength lies in owning the luxe-boho niche in Indian fashion.

They successfully combine:

  • Traditional craftsmanship
  • Contemporary global appeal
  • Bold self-expression

Their designs speak to a modern woman who values heritage but isn’t bound by it.

Final Takeaway

Saaksha & Kinni have reshaped the way we look at Indian fashion. By blending artisanal techniques with relaxed, global silhouettes, they’ve created a brand that feels both rooted and refreshingly modern.

At its core, every piece they design is more than just clothing—it’s a celebration of individuality, movement, and fearless self-expression.