“I don’t like anything at first,” Anamika Kanna admits with a laugh. It was this streak of perfectionism that led the Kolkata-based designer to his debut showcase at London Fashion Week, a steady balance of overthinking and creative instincts, with a new collection under her label AK | OK Anamika Khanna.
Rooted in Indian culture, but seen through a global lens, this collection rethinks old silhouettes and drives them into modernity. “Every time I wear kurta pyjamas in New York or London, people stop me and ask about it,” she says. “We have so many interesting forms and ideas. I’m excited to take them and put them in the world in a way that looks like foreigners.” The result is a collection that not only breaks the rules, but acts like they weren’t there from the start.
First, Anamika Kanna opens up to Vogue India about the story that sparked the collection and her constant companion, Silver Coin.
Vogue India: Why is India representing it at the global stage?
Anamika Kanna: That’s about pride for me. That’s always the case. We truly believe that we have the world’s richest culture, the richest crafts and the richest textile traditions. Even today, the world continues to outsource creativity from India, including ideas, artistry and production. For me, it’s all about staying true to my legacy, where I came from.
VI: Indian crafts seem to have more influence on international fashion than ever before. What do you think about that?
AK: I think it’s really cool. There’s a lot of talk about giving budgets and credit, but as a designer, I’m free to inspire. I say I was inspired by something from South African culture, can I explore it? Can you give that approval and get inspiration? Or should I let it do that? That’s what I’m still thinking about. But when it comes to Indian culture, I feel very proud and happy when others are inspired by it.
VI: How did this collection begin?
