Nambi-Kai at first can come across as a very modern brand with minimal and rustic aesthetics but as you scroll deeper you get a keen understanding of the story behind the brand and its creator. Founded by Delshia, a student of NIFT, Chennai the Nambi-Kai is a sustainable luxury fashion brand with its roots deeply buried in traditional practices. The brand has got all the right terms associated with sustainable clothing, organic fabrics, upcycle, hand-painted, eco-painted, and natural dyes but it is its relationship with the artisans and nature that makes it stand out. Clothing is meant to last is what they believe and their approach towards design and production is a direct reflection of that ideology.
Inspired by the art of Kalamkari, their handmade prints and products are far away from perfection but that’s what makes this brand what it is. It is the tiny drops of imperfection that lead to unconventional designs. Focussed on providing the local artisans a better space to explore and learn, the brand thrives on imperfections and the willingness to endure the process of attaining perfection. The brand strongly believes in collaborating with artisans, resulting in the most elegant and unique designs.
Their Vaan collection inspired by summer and named after an insect is all kinds of beautiful and is one of my favourites. Their recent gender-neutral shirts have also garnered a lot of appreciation and followers. The materials used feels like a breeze, which is simply perfect for our tropical climate. Simple doesn’t have to be boring is what their clothes and design reiterate. Each item of clothing is a conscious effort toward a sustainable clothing practice that benefits the mostly overlooked artisans in the fashion industry, like the name of the brand suggests, it gives hope.
