A ground-breaking name in the Indian fashion movement, Kavita Bhartia has a design philosophy that amalgamates traditional craftsmanship techniques with innovative western silhouettes to create a look that is enigmatic and distinctive. A multifaceted personality, Bhartia has made her mark in different spheres of the fashion industry. The label “Kavita Bhartia” has been the perfect showcase of the riches and traditions of Indian couture.

The collection blends tradition with international trends to create a “look” that is global. Her label has ventured into newer terrains with exports to countries like Australia, Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Spain, Greece, France and the US, which is a reflection of her growing clientele in the country and abroad. She opened Ogaan in 1989, a fashion landmark in New Delhi that was a platform to showcase works of some of the leading names in the fashion industry along with her own label. She is also the vice-chairperson of Elle India and was instrumental in launching and publishing the Indian edition of the world’s largest selling fashion magazine Elle.

Bhartia presents “A Mix of Things”, her 2017 Autumn/Winter collection, by retaining her signature style with an array of fine silhouettes experimenting with raw resham and sequins. This is a revival of chikan and gota work, resham based embroidery and sequin all executed with a modern appeal and contemporary style.

The silhouettes are essentially capes, gilets, draped dresses, tunics, with a perfect colour palette including gold, ivory, nude, grey, opal green spice colours with interesting and beautiful florals’. This continues to explore and integrate the Indian contemporary designs in a modern context, always reaching out to sketch a new story from the rich culture and heritage of the world.

Excerpts from an interview:

Q How would you describe your design?

Label Kavita Bhartia is a contemporary, feminine occasional wear label that incorporates the glimmer of glamour with stunning silhouettes and embellishments. The designs are very wearable, highly textured, modern with interesting shapes, colourful and elegant, and tonal with a lot of handwork like zardozi in natural fabrics.

Q What influences your work and how do you stay inspired and motivated?

I love fashion and most of all I love wearing my own label which is the biggest inspiration. My work is usually influenced by everyday things like books, travel, personal likes, flowers, paintings and more.

Q What according to you are the three pieces every woman should have in her wardrobe?

According to me, the three must haves in a woman’s wardrobe are — a black dress, a long skirt and a black jacket.

Q What’s your top pick from the latest collection?

The skirts! My label is big on skirts in different styles and variations and you will see a lot of skirts in my latest collection “A Mix of Things”. Skirts in every form are my favourite.

Q How do you think the fusion of Indian and western silhouettes are influencing today’s designing?

We all are inspired by what is happening in the world, what is happening around us and the modern age. We understand what the Indian market wants and what I need to wear on a wedding. It’s good to know and understand all this to innovate, to do something different and to make it more modern yet wearable.

Q Who are some individuals that you believe are global trendsetters?

I believe Sonam Kapoor is one name that comes in my head immediately when we talk about style and I think Jacqueline Fernandez is also someone who is a trendsetter and is experimental with her style.