There are some fashion brands that make you feel powerful. Some that make you feel sporty. Some that make you want to book a flight for a much-needed vacation. And then there are the rare ones that seem to hold every aspect of womanhood at once — the femininity, the boldness, the particular freedom of feeling entirely yourself. Saaksha and Kinni has always been in that last category. One look at their latest lineup and you feel it immediately. The amalgamation of craft, colour and silhouette working together in a way that feels like it’s saying everything you want to as a woman.
Estampa by Saaksha & Kinni | Image Source: Saaksha & Kinni
Designed by a duo who have always treated fashion as something deeply personal, it’s not a surprise that their process is more inspired by what lies within. 'It starts with a mood, a memory, or even a texture. We spend a lot of time building layers within a print, so it doesn’t feel flat or decorative. Even when it’s subtle, there’s always an underlying narrative. That depth is what sets it apart for us,' explains Saaksha Bhat, co-founder and designer of Saaksha and Kinni.
Estampa by Saaksha & Kinni | Image Source: Saaksha & Kinni
But it wasn’t always like that for the duo. The early days of the label weren’t about building a brand in its conventional sense. Instead, Bhat says, it was instinctive and emotional. 'We were drawn to textiles, to storytelling through fabric, and to creating something that felt personal yet relevant. There was a strong desire to reinterpret Indian crafts in a way that felt lighter, more fluid, and wearable for our generation. It came from a place of curiosity rather than strategy,' she adds.
A look from Summer Resort 2018 | Image Source: Instagram/bolly.id_
The 2018 designs showcase the duo's curiosity almost clearly through their layering and print play. It all felt exploratory, with an energy that was distinctly young and unguarded. Over time, the playfulness still translates with the femininity becoming more deliberate. 'Earlier, there was a tendency to explore everything at once; now there’s more clarity and restraint,' Bhat looks back. 'Our visual language has definitely become more refined over time - we’ve learned to edit ourselves better.'
A look from Summer Resort 2018 | Image Source: Instagram/bolly.id_
What has stayed constant through the evolution is the duo's commitment to craft. Micro pleating, bandhani, mirror work and many more crafts have remained foundational elements the brand has always built from. 'We’ve been very inspired by regions where there’s a strong narrative embedded in the textile - places like Rajasthan and Gujarat. Crafts like Leheriya, Ikat, and Bandhani continue to influence us, but often in quieter ways,' explains the designer. Craft may have the illusion of having turned cool only recently, but there is a 2018 bandhani skirt from their archive that would hold its own in any wardrobe today. This longevity of their designs, however, is not by accident. 'For us, sustainability is about intention and longevity rather than just labels. It means working with artisans responsibly, producing in mindful quantities, and designing pieces that people will want to wear beyond a single season. It’s also about slowing down where possible - being conscious of waste, materials, and processes rather than chasing constant newness,' Bhat says. And even through the tough times, this value of fashion being slow and intentional has stayed persistent. 'There have been moments where scaling quickly would have meant compromising on how we work with artisans or how things are made. We’ve chosen to grow more slowly instead. It’s not always easy, but it feels more aligned with what we stand for in the long run,' explains the co-founder.
Estampa by Saaksha & Kinni | Image Source: Saaksha & Kinni
Through almost a decade of growing the brand at a steady pace, there are a few things that are equally consistent as its respect towards the crafts and pace of fashion, it’s the dynamic relationship of two woman founders and creatives that continue to evolve with the brand. On working with Kinnari Kamat (the ‘Kinni’ of Saaksha and Kinni), Bhat says: 'We both have strong opinions, which is important creatively, but it also means we don’t always agree. Over time, we’ve learned to trust each other’s instincts and to step back when needed. The shared voice comes from a mutual respect and a common sensibility, even if the paths we take to get there are different.'
Saaksha Bhat and Kinnari Kamat | Image Source: Saaksha & Kinni
Bhat, now also a mother, has found a shift in perspective that came along with the role of motherhood—some creative and some practical. 'It’s made me more intuitive and also more efficient with my time. There’s less room for overthinking, which can actually be freeing creatively,' says Bhat. 'It’s also made me think more about balance- what I choose to invest my energy in, both personally and professionally.' In some ways, Bhat says, motherhood has made her work feel more grounded.