Going back to my Indian heritage was a crucial part of the design and development process for my brand. Working with an artisanal Indian manufacturer who truly understands the culture was a huge part of the process, so in many ways it feels like I’ve come full circle. I feel more connected to my Indian heritage than ever before.
Visiting Kolkata, India, to see the collection come to life was a vital part of defining the brand vision. Read on to find out how this special trip to revisit my Indian roots inspired the creative direction of the collection.
Surrounded by beautiful inspiration in Kolkata
My visit to Kolkata sparked so many ideas and emotions. It’s always exciting going to India, going back to my roots, and reconnecting to my cultural heritage. I love being reminded of childhood trips and feeling immersed in our rich culture. Sharing the trip with my Mum made it all the more special.
Jasmine, jasmine and more jasmine
I still feel so inspired from our trip, especially the beautiful gardens, and the buildings from the British Raj era. Just walking around Kolkata is a treat for the senses, from seeing the architecture, to inhaling the scent of the jasmine flowers. The tropical gardens and flower markets are simply stunning.
"The signature peony print and jasmine embroidery, used throughout the S/S 25 Collection, is a fusion of British and Indian influences. The peony is so British, and I love sketching the peonies I grow in my garden in London. To me, jasmine is quintessentially Indian, and the fragrance instantly transports me back to childhood visits to India. "
The all-pervasive scent of jasmine in Kolkata confirmed to me that using jasmine as part of the embroidery in the collection was the perfect choice for the first collection.
Where the Rekha Mistry vision comes to life
As a proud British Indian, I’m delighted to say that the collection is made in Kolkata. The city is renowned for its skilled dress makers, and artisans in bead work and embroidery, making it the perfect choice to develop the collection.
Visiting the place that brings the collection to life was as exciting as I hoped it would be. Seeing the bolts of fabric being transformed into the designs from my original sketches took me back to my happiest childhood memories, admiring my Mum's clothing and my Grandmother's saris. That’s where my love of fashion began, and these fabrics help weave the story of my background into my collection.
Meeting the Indian artisans
It’s important to me to ensure the people crafting my designs have very high standard working conditions, so visiting the factory myself was vital to me as a Founder. They specialise in occasion wear manufacturing for a selection of very well-known luxury brands, so knowing the factory only produce to the highest standards is extremely reassuring.
"It was so inspiring to meet the talented artisans who make, and hand finish the designs we worked so hard to develop. They are the unsung heroes, as without that highly skilled team, the designs would still just be in my sketchbook. I loved being able to thank them in person for bringing the brand to life. "
Occasion wear designed in Britain, made in India
India has always been such a huge part of my identity. Seeing these influences, sharing them with my Mum, and seeing them woven into the first collection confirmed that developing a fashion label is what I was always meant to do.
Visiting Kolkata gave me a moment of clarity that I have come full circle. By weaving together my Indian heritage, the beauty of Indian colours and flowers, and my British aesthetic, I've created an occasion wear line that has real meaning and authenticity.
Just as stories are woven into our memories, handed down from one generation to the next, so is our heritage. That’s why I’ve taken care to weave the story of India and Britain into my designs, so they have real meaning, reflecting who you are.