Designer Kanika Goyal talks about her latest collection at London Fashion Week, how she balances creativity with wearability, and more

Kanika Goyal is on a roll. The Delhi-based designer showcased at London Fashion Week for the first time. The Autumn/Winter collection is more of a deeper extension into themes and techniques she has been experimenting with over the years, says Kanika. Over an email interaction, the designer lets us into the making of her vibrant collection that explored fragmented memories and identities. Here’s more from our interesting interaction.

Harper’s Bazaar: What inspired the theme or concept behind your upcoming collection for London Fashion Week?

Kanika Goyal: Arc Echo, the Autumn/Winter’24 collection, epitomises an enigmatic exploration into fragmented memories, the interweaving of past and future experiences, and the subtle intricacies of self-reflection. Drawing inspiration from the ethereal realm where memories converge and the fluidity of one’s perception blurs, the collection aims to evoke a sense of déjà vu—an elusive familiarity that transcends temporal boundaries. Arc Echo channels the varied perceptions within the dream realm. Garments evoke the surreal and transformative qualities of dreams and diverse facets of one’s personalities. Each garment is a metaphorical mosaic, illustrating the complexity inherent within our memories. It conveys the notion that the human mind is multifaceted and diverse, with various elements interwoven to create a unique and intricate whole. Encouraging introspection, the collection acts as a mirror, reflecting not only external appearances but also the profound internal nuances of one’s identity.

HB: Did specific materials or textures play a role in this collection? 

KG: We have used surplus leather that was left with the factory for our accessories like bags, belts and other leather trims. We have also experimented with different fabrics like laminated crushed leather, cracked bonded taffetas, creased taffetas for shirts, and more. Our knitwear is a mix of jacquard and ribbed stitch knitting, creating really interesting textures. 

HB: Can you give us a glimpse into the colour palette for this collection, and the reasoning behind it?

KG: The colour palette is a symphony of emotions, ranging from classic blues and greens to ethereal lilacs. Accents of copper and red elevate the collection while neutral tones of black, beige, and brown ground the ensemble, embodying the multifaceted nature of memories.
 
HB: How do you envision your collection resonating with the current fashion trends?

KG: I think current fashion is bold, unapologetic and striking. I always think of strong-minded, resilient personalities as the consumers for the KGL brand—and that includes anybody who wears the brand. There is a certain empowering language that the brand communicates, and people love to indulge in it. This is why, I think, the collection resonates with current fashion trends, by embodying the attitude behind them. 

HB: How do you approach the balance between creativity and wearability in your designs?

KG: I’m glad that more and more people are becoming bolder in their fashion choices as that allows my creativity a freer reign. That said, every collection of mine offers a good balance between more daring garments and elevated basics that can be styled in multiple ways, and are designed to become timeless wardrobe staples. 
 

All Image Credits: Harper's Bazaar Print, March 2024 Issue. 

This article originally appeared in Harper's Bazaar, March 2024 print issue.

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