About Us
ikai, in hindi, means ‘one’ and symbolises strength of the singular - self expression, fierce femininity and empowerement. Ragini Ahuja established ikai to translate these values into wearable art in 2012. The brand creates practical, timeless and season-less clothing adorned with Ahuja’s eccentric artworks and illustrations. ikai crafts global artisanal clothing with locally sourced natural and hand-woven fabrics. The brands fearless use of tribal inspiration and unconventional textures are what Ahuja calls “calm rebellion” - the simple act of transforming the traditional into an individual’s strong expression.
DESIGN PROCESS
The process of creating a piece of ikai clothing is almost mathematical.
Deriving inspiration from wandering nomads and tribes in the remotest parts of the world and re-imagining the traditional motifs in a grid-book; the artworks are a symmetric and graphic intepretation.
The artworks are then applique’d, hand-cut by skilled craftsmen and engineered to garment patterns.
Each piece of clothing is versatile, hand-crafted with modern tailoring and uncompromising quality. The brand embraces mindful and contemplative design - hand-made and sustainable.
HAND MADE IN INDIA
All ikai clothing is hand-crafted with locally sourced raw material in India. The craftsmen belonging to different parts of the country are trained to skillfully craft ikai clothing and accessories.
THE IKAI SPACE
ikai houses its team of skilled craftsmen, master pattern cutters, tailors and designers in New Delhi, India.
The studio is located centrally in the Indian capital and doubles up as an experential showroom space for buyers and customers.
AWARDS AND RECOGNITION
Winner - Country Award, International Fashion Showcase 2017 during London Fashion Week
First Runner Up - Vogue India Fashion Fund 2014
Winner - Grazia Young Fashion Award 2015 Winner - Elle Graduates 2014 awarded scholarship to Istituto Marangoni, Milan
Winner - Tigre Blanc Award for best garment during Vogue India Fashion Fund 2014
First Runner Up - Student Design Award 2009 World of Wearable Art, New Zealand