“Karuna’s idea of design is laidback and minimalist, with touches of something different, something unique. Its comfort meets design and fashion meets nature,” shared Nischal Bajracharya of the label.
As the name suggests, the line has used natural fabrics such as hemp, bamboo, soy and banana, to name a few natural resources endemic to Nepal. “We’re also trying to experiment with milk fiber,” informs Bajracharya. He adds, “It’s a fabric extracted from skimmed milk.”
When asked about the usual apprehension that people have regarding the quality of natural textiles like hemp and clothes that are dyed or produced in Nepal, Bajracharya observes, “Apparently hemp, being more absorbent, is supposed to retain dye more compared to other fibers. Nepal still doesn’t have the best in dyeing technology, though.”
As long as damage is concerned, Bajracharya reminds costuming customers to take some time to read the wash-care instructions on the label and follow them.
“Natural fibers, like hemp, aren’t supposed to be treated like other cotton and synthetic mix fabrics. Natural fibers always need more care in maintenance than manmade materials,” he adds.
While the brand has collaborated with designer Nuzhat Qazi for clothing line, accessory designer Suman Dhakwa’s intricate belt buckles also deck up the store’s counter.
Talking about the main theme behind the clothing, designer Qazi adds, “We’ve worked on designs by keeping the textiles’ properties in mind. They are mostly loose fits.”
In her words, the collection is classy and is mostly about smart cuts. “We didn’t want to be one of those Sundhara garment brands.”
Designs that have hit the store are nonchalant ones that one wants to get into while going out for a stroll or a casual lunch. Small detailing like pleats on trousers and dresses are the common traits found in Qazi’s designs. And of the lot, a small coat with sharp shoulders in three different colors – green, blue and black – is worth an investment.
“More new stuffs are yet to hit the decks,” informs Bajracharya. Some designs, like those of crepe drawstring dresses and heavy knit skinny harem trousers, are The Week’s recommendations, which are yet to make to the store’s shelves.
However, when it involves popular designers like Qazi, one expects a push of the envelope in terms of designs.
Along with Qazi and Karuna’s collaborative works, a range of t-shirts have also made it to the collection. The label has stepped out of the ubiquitous print zone and has incorporated themes that concern our daily lives, such as Safa Tempo – but this a double-decker one. The concepts on tees, like that of the Ghanta Ghar going digital and Nepal having its own Air Force, are something more than mere prints. It forces one to introspect on the stagnancy that the country is in and has been for decades.
“Most of our prints are culturally inclined, or politically satirical. Some of the upcoming designs are a mix of our views and imagination with our graphic designer Kayo Siddhi’s interpretation,” informs Bajracharya. “Inspiration is spontaneous, and as soon as any of us get an idea, we immediately try to figure out on ways we can work it out onto a fun print.”
Commenting on the local clothing scene and our love affair with international brands, Bajracharya shares, “It’s sad to see when you go shopping for anything, for that matter, clothing or appliances, that we have to blindly trust and believe in goods that are usually labeled as original Italian or Chinese or Indian or American.” He adds that a lot of people among us are ignorant of the capacity and potential that our own country also has.
But with Karuna at the scene, Bajracharya says that the label would like to be an answer to commodities that go by the label “Original and Imported.”
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