With an audacious aesthetic and uncompromising dedication to craftsmanship, Saaksha Bhat and Kinnari Kamat are redefining contemporary Indian fashion – one print at a time.
In a fashion landscape where trends often wane as swiftly as they emerge, the design duo behind Saaksha & Kinni have carved a niche, one with a deep-rooted reverence for craftsmanship. Born from a fusion of cultures, Saaksha & Kinni is the brainchild of sisters-in-law Saaksha Bhat and Kinnari Kamat, a duo whose distinct backgrounds have created a label synonymous with bold prints and intricate embroidery.
“Kinni, having been born and raised in Mumbai, was always fascinated with traditional Indian motifs like Ikats, Bandhani, and Leheriya,” shares Saaksha. “I, having grown up in the UK, was well-versed with global silhouettes and fabrics. Combining the two aesthetics, we realised there was a niche to be explored.” From Lakmē Fashion Week’s avant-garde runway to the wardrobes of celebrities like Sonam Kapoor, Vijay Varma and Pooja Hegde, their journey has been nothing short of remarkable.
Kinni’s artistic background, honed at NIFT, saw her designing embroidery swatches for international powerhouses such as Ellie Saab, Balmain, and Dsquared2. This deep understanding of craft translates seamlessly into their garments. Meanwhile, Saaksha’s legal career brought invaluable problem-solving and analytical skills to the business side of the brand.
“Working as a duo has been the most fruitful partnership,” Saaksha affirms. “Kinni’s artistic genius has been instrumental in crafting beautiful garments, while my business and legal skills have been pivotal in growing the brand. Having such different skill sets not only complements each other but has allowed the brand to push forward seamlessly.”
Fashion is a medium of self-expression, and the Saaksha & Kinni woman wears her identity unabashedly. Inspired by the women around them, Saaksha & Kinni’s design ethos is a celebration of diversity. “We are constantly observing not just the women around us but women from cosmopolitan cities, remote villages, as well as working women and homemakers. India is a powerful source of inspiration with no dearth of tradition, culture, and vibrancy,” notes Kinni. This philosophy has not gone unnoticed. From Lakmē Fashion Week 2024, where their latest collection showcased a fresh take on swimwear and resort silhouettes, to international red carpets, their designs have been making waves.
The journey has been punctuated by defining milestones. From Bollywood icons like Alia Bhatt, Priyanka Chopra, and Kareena Kapoor donning their designs to showcasing at international platforms such as Coterie, the brand has steadily carved its space in both Indian and global fashion markets. “We believe our prints make us stand out – they are intricate, as many of them contain up to 15 shades of one colour in any given print. They are intrinsically Indian with a global voice, which makes them unique,” adds Kinni.
Their vision, however, extends beyond apparel. With aspirations to evolve into a household name, Saaksha & Kinni envisions growth into new verticals, including swimwear , children’s clothing, accessories, and home. “We want to be aspirational but accessible, and finding that balance will be the challenge,” says Saaksha. As they continue their journey, their advice to aspiring designers is simple yet profound: “Stay true to your own voice, don’t look at what others are doing, and have a sense of humour!” With each runway moment, Saaksha & Kinni are proving that fashion is about identity, empowerment, and a fearless reimagining of heritage for the modern world.
