NEXT IN FASHION

The collision of two cultural identities can often lead to an interesting outcome. While London-based Namita Khade is of Indian origin, she channels her heritage into her work through a nuanced approach to design. The 24-year-old student from Central Saint Martins came into the spotlight for her experimental take on knitwear, diaphanous dresses featuring sensual cut-outs crafted in a gamut of fabrics – mohair, merino yarn, and delicate linens.

Khade’s garments are like second skin – a wonderful conjunction of raw hemlines, slinky textures, and unexpected detailing. While they might not feature any obvious ‘Indian’ elements, the core sensibility alludes to her backstory, “I grew up in Wigan, a small English town with a miniscule immigrant population. My family is quite traditional, and we held our culture close. During my visits to India we used to shuffle between Mumbai and the village of Sangli, where my grandparents reside. Fashion, for me, has been a form of escapism. The inspiration for my designs lies in piecing together the distinct experiences of being born into a South Asian family and exploring the freedom and expression of fashion in London, it’s all about making sense of this mismatch,” she shares.

THE FINE PRINT