Designer Kavita Patel from Xaura. Image supplied.
Kavita Patel is the designer and founder of womenswear label Xaura which she launched in late 2018. After a decade of working in the fashion industry Xaura came about as a result of Kavita wanting to express herself in a way that embraced slow fashion and artisan techniques. The label is also a reflection of the designer’s Indian heritage and Western culture, and is designed in New Zealand and ethically made in India.
We caught up with Kavita to find out more about her brand, what inspires her and what you would never catch her wearing!
Tell us about your latest collection?
This is my first collection and is inspired by the Mughal era in India which was a combination of Persian and Indian cultures. The rich colours and floral motifs are hand embroidered and hand block printed on the garments. The design is feminine and relaxed at the same time versatile so that every piece can be worn with each other, whether at home or vacationing abroad. Xaura represents how we feel when we wear beautiful clothes made ethically by hand and the energy we put out to the world. It’s about supporting traditional craftsmanship and feeling the pride of wearing something beautiful while making a positive impact. X represents the merging of two cultures, Eastern and Western, and Aura is the energy that we radiate.
What made you become a designer?
I knew from a young age while playing with dolls and making dresses for them that I wanted to become a fashion designer. During my family trips to India I’d get customised outfits made with hand embroidery or mirror work done on the Indian outfits. Seeing what a laborious task it was to produce an item with the skills and the effort put into each piece, I really wanted to bring Indian techniques to Western inspired clothing, and showcase the unique skills that is traditional to my culture. The plan to become a designer was always at the back of my mind, so after getting what I believed to be enough skills and work experience I finally took the courage and made the jump to follow my dreams. My family are also my biggest supporters and have always been encouraging and supportive which has made this journey smoother.
Looks from Xaura’s current collection.
What inspires you?
I get inspiration from my culture, my surroundings, history and my experiences from travelling and exploring different cultures.
Describe your personal style and how it influences your designs?
I would say my personal style is quite relaxed and effortless. I like being comfortable in what I wear so have designed and made the garments that are adjustable and have a loose and relaxed feel but is also flirty and feminine.
What is your all-time favourite purchase?
Not so much of a purchase but I love and cherish my mum’s vintage linen blouse. It has self cut-out embroidery and big puffy sleeves which I just adore and wear it every chance I get.
What wardrobe item should everyone invest in?
A basic white linen top as you can dress it up for dinners or dress it down with jeans or wear to work with formal trousers. Can get lots of uses out of it and its breathable.
Looks from Xaura’s current collection.
Do you have a style rule you always obey?
For me it’s always been just being comfortable in our own skin in whatever you wear. The clothes you wear should make you feel good and add on to your confidence. There’s not rules as such but just personal preference.
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
The highlight for me was getting the opportunity to do a fashion Show in Fiji which is where I was born. Seeing my designs come to life was a dream come true. Also meeting customers and seeing them in Xaura is very humbling.
Finish this sentence – You would never catch me wearing…
Clogs.
Images supplied.