Kavita Bhartia

Summary

Right from her childhood Kavita Bhartia had an interest in fashion design which she transformed into her career. Graduating in textile design, she launched iconic multi-designer store Oogan in 1989 to bring premium designer wear to the fashion conscious. Subsequently her eponymous label was born out of her sheer love for fashion design.

History

Indian fashion designer Kavita Bhartia believes that her design sensibility has become more streamlined over the years. Earlier, it was all about opulent hand embroideries. Now it’s less about embroideries and more about sleek cuts and minimalism.

“As a child, I was fascinated by fabrics and designs. Even in my childhood, I used to select fabric, design and get it stitched for myself”, she told Times Of India. “Former training definitely helps as you get aware about the way of working. Designing looks like an easy job but it is not. It needs lots of potential and commitment to excel.”

Kavita Bhartia’s design philosophy amalgamates traditional craftsmanship techniques with innovative western silhouettes to create a look that is elegant and distinctive. Subsequently the label beautifully showcases the rich textile traditions of Indian couture. There was a time when she was inspired by Rajasthan and focused on tie-dying, printing and hand embroidery at her factory. “It’s all about experimenting, innovation, exploration and using Indian elements in a contemporary way,” she always says.

Per Abraxas: “She describes her eponymous brand’s USP as easy to wear clothes which have a style of their own; a specific look and feel. Not one for outlandish costumes, even her Fashion Week creations are creations people can relate to and wear easily. She also likes to use a lot of prints as is evident by her having an entire department in her factory dedicated solely to printing. Besides prints there is also lots of handwork involved, which ends up creating a truly unique product.”

Kavita Bhartia’s work is rooted in textile revivalism. Her Spring Summer 2016 titled Ee Khat by Kavita Bhartia revisits and reinterprets the traditional ikat in a modern way. She combines ikat with geometric architecture and paisley and uses heavily textured textiles with contemporary silhouettes.

“Label Kavita Bhartia is a contemporary feminine occasional wear label that incorporates the glimmer of glamour with stunning silhouettes and embellishments” she tells The Statesman “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.”

Vision

Kavita Bhartia’s design philosophy is all about experimenting with heritage textile crafts and techniques and using indigenous Indian elements in contemporary, globally- relevant silhouettes. In short, the fusion of traditional artisanal skills and modern fashion as her homage to heritage textiles. She aims to reinterpret traditional crafts through innovative techniques and modern silhouettes, making heritage textiles relevant. Her focus is on preserving artisanal skills while creating versatile, wearable designs that celebrate Indian craftsmanship.

The designer’s approach emphasizes experimentation and exploration within traditional craft techniques such as tie-dye, printing, and embroidery, blending them with modern architectural shapes and textures. Bhartia envisions indigenous Indian elements being incorporated into sleek, minimalist styles, promoting sustainability and cultural pride. Her designs showcase a commitment to reviving and elevating India’s textile legacy with a fresh, innovative perspective.

Mission Statement

Eponymous label Kavita Bhartia is all about innovation, creativity and showcasing Indian textile craft and techniques in a contemporary design aesthetic. A marriage of elegance with edge, her creations unite different craft based communities to create bold self-expression. Print play and vibrant colors, the blend of traditional techniques, imaginative treatments, and modern silhouettes is what brings an element of surprise to Kavita Bhartia ensembles. Through her designs, she aims to promote traditional craftsmanship while making it relevant and appealing to a global audience, fostering a deeper appreciation for India’s textile traditions.

Her mission also involves uniting different craft-based communities to collaborate and produce distinctive, textured garments that reflect cultural diversity and artisanal excellence. She emphasizes experimentation with prints, vibrant colors, and innovative surface textures, combining traditional techniques with modern silhouettes to surprise and delight her audience. She seeks to inspire confidence and individuality through her collections, reinforcing the idea that heritage crafts can be culturally meaningful and fashion-forward.

Products and Services

Kavita Bhartia is acclaimed for her showing at India Fashion Week. Per Explosive Fashion: ‘Kavita Bhartia’s collection referenced eighteenth century tapestry seen at the Victoria and Albert Museum. A synthesis of history, fantasy and craftsmanship, it showed how concertedly the atelier has been developing points of reference… the weightless garments were crafted with organza, tulle, scuba fabric and silk crepe. Each one was constructed with the tiniest detail in mind, from the soft draping on a cocktail dress to the pleats on a full circle voluminous skirt, while embroideries and surface textures formed the aristocratic tapestry prints that wooed the front row.’

Per Explosive Fashion: ‘Volume and proportions were central to Kavita Bhartia Spring Summer 2013 which evokes the memory of a Romanian holiday—bound with a vien of sensuality. She’s among the most intellectual designers and what made her choose this theme was the fluid ease of the epoch’s garments. ‘Folklore Saga’ is steeped in references from Eastern Europe particularly the softly structured Romanian peasant blouses which artist Matisse (also a collector of textiles) showcased in his paintings. There was something almost balletic about the floor-length dresses that swished with every step. Kavita has embellished them with embroidered motifs—based on geometric patterns used in weaving for decades—characteristic of the designer’s artisanal hand work.’

Awards and Recognition

Kavita Bhartia has significant recognition for her innovative approach to fashion and her dedication to preserving Indian textile heritage. She has been celebrated at prominent platforms such as India Fashion Week, where her collections have consistently been praised for their craftsmanship and contemporary appeal. Her work has earned accolades for marrying traditional techniques with modern silhouettes. Her designs have also received recognition from fashion critics and industry experts, highlighting her ability to reinterpret heritage textiles in fresh, innovative ways. Bhartia’s contributions to the fashion industry have been acknowledged through awards and features in prominent publications, celebrating her role in elevating Indian craftsmanship on the international stage. Moreover, her work has been acknowledged for its artistic and cultural significance.

References

• Official website Kavita Bhartia
• Facebook profile of Kavita Bhartia Facebook
• ‘Love wearing my own label’ The Statetsman
• Kavita Bhartia on Celebrating 25 Years in Fashion Grazia
• Kavita Bhartia’a ‘Jharokha’ takes inspiration from Rajasthan Business Standard
• Silver Lining: Kavita Bhartia reminisces about the journey Indian Express
• Kavita Bhartia Times Of India
• My designs transcend cultural and geographical barriers: Kavita Bhartia Zee News
• Kavita Bhartia back at WIFW Elle
• Instagram profile of Kavita Bhartia Instagram
• Wedding Goals: Pick Up These Standout Pastels From Kavita Bhartia LBB
• The Charismatic Indian Fashion Designer Abraxas
• Kavita Bhartia at Amazon India Fashion Week Explosive Fashion
• Kavita Bhartia SS 2013 Explosive Fashion
• Kavita Bhartia AW 2011 Explosive Fashion
• Kavita Bhartia Ogaan
• Kavita Bhartia FDCI
• A fashionable gathering The Hindu
• Ogaan makes a comeback Telegraph