5 Minutes with a Friend: Karishma Shahani Khan of Ka-Sha
Some clothes are worn, others are lived in – Ka-Sha’s are remembered. Founded in 2012 by Karishma Shahani-Khan in Pune, the label stitches together India’s artisanal traditions with a distinctly contemporary eye. Indigenous textiles are cut, patched, appliquéd and colour-blocked into garments that carry both heritage and innovation in every seam. Subtle embroidery, salvaged threads, and meticulous finishes ensure nothing is wasted – even fragments become part of the narrative, transformed into details that elevate rather than disappear.
Neena Dress and Tulsi Jacket by Ka-Sha.
The studio is as layered as the work itself. Senior tailors guide younger artisans, passing on skill and patience one stitch at a time, while discarded fabric is reimagined through Heart to Haat, Ka-Sha’s sister initiative devoted to reuse and repair. This circular approach makes each piece an act of continuity – sustaining communities and materials alike. The radical sits quietly in the detail: a salvaged thread becomes embellishment, a fragment of cloth is reassembled into a new silhouette, and the lifespan of each textile is stretched through ingenuity and care. The result is fashion that feels both thoughtful and exuberant, infused with colour and crafted with intent.
Cora Dress, Cora Overlay, and Cora Pants by Ka-Sha
This September, Ka-Sha takes centre stage in Selvedge Issue 126, Deco, with an in-depth feature and a striking cover image. They’ll also bring their latest collection to the Selvedge Designer Showroom at Asia House for London Fashion Week, 17–19 September – a rare opportunity to experience their work firsthand and see how traditional techniques are reimagined for a contemporary audience. And, for one lucky reader, there’s the chance to wear Ka-Sha yourself: this month’s Win Win Win competition features a jacket that embodies their distinctive blend of colour, craft and care.
Phoolan Jacket by Ka-Sha. Available to win as part of the Selvedge Issue 126 prize draw
We caught up with Karishma for our 5 Minutes with a Friend interview series, where she shares the inspirations, values and playful details behind Ka-Sha’s singular approach to fashion:
Karishma Shahani-Khan
Karisma, what is your first memory of a textile?
My first memory of textiles is linked to my Bhua (my father’s sister), who wore the most varied handwoven saris. She carried them with such ease and wore them so regularly that they became an integral part of our childhood landscape. My Ami (my father’s grandmother), whom I remember from my earliest years, dressed only in crisp white Khadi saris and blouses — sometimes with a thin indigo border, but rarely more than that. Another memory is of my grand-aunt (my father’s aunt), who would create intricate cross-stitched textiles in her spare time and patiently show us how to stitch whenever we visited her.
Can you put into words what you love about textiles?
I love the memories they hold. I love the possibilities they hold. I love the stories they hold.
Where is your most inspiring space / place to create?
I love being in spaces where textiles are created and experimenting with them. There is something deeply therapeutic in the action and repetition of the loom — in both process and sound. My own work often focuses on surface adornment, and one of my favourite practices is embroidery. I keep a small embroidery set by the sofa in my home, always ready to open up and stitch. The textiles I use as a base are usually repurposed from older clothing or household fabrics that carry emotional significance. The patterns I create are intuitive, emerging as a response to the day’s mood and reflections.
What has inspired you recently?
My most recent memorable inspiration came from an Education Programme I completed earlier this year. It was designed to be fully engaging — both intellectually and sensorially. The confluence of people from around the world, the conversations, the diverse influences, and the shared learnings have all helped keep the fire in my belly alive and kicking!
What is your most cherished textile, and why?
A hand-woven Benaras sari that my Dadi (my father’s mother) gifted to my mother for her wedding reception is one of my most cherished heirlooms. Its value lies not only in the family history it carries but also in its sheer beauty. The fabric has a wonderful weight when draped, and remarkably, it looks absolutely contemporary even though it is over 40 years old!
Where did you learn your craft?
I studied design at the London College of Fashion, University of Arts, London. I also was lucky enough to be able to train and work on ground with craft clusters and production groups around India which taught me a lot too.
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Further Information:
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The Designer Showroom: India's Leading Contemporary Designers
Wednesday 17–Thursday 18 September, 11-5 p.m.
Asia House, 63 New Cavendish St, London W1G 7LP
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Win a Ka-Sha Jacket with Selvedge
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Image Credits:
LEAD:
Ka-Sha Shoot
Creative Direction and Styling: Vinita Makhija @VinitaMakhija
Photo: Hunar Daga @HunarDaga
Model: Dhyany Vyas at Feat Artists @dhyany.vyas @Featartists
Hair and make-up: Chriselle Baptista @chrissybaps.
All other images as credited in photo captions, and courtesy of Ka-Sha.