Grazia PK | Ahikoza

July 2018

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your fashion background

I’m Indian, born and raised in Indonesia. I did my Under Graduation in Communications in Melbourne, Australia. After graduating I enrolled in Fashion School where I majored in Fashion Business. Design was as of course a core segment. My diploma in Fashion Business cemented my understanding of design and core fundamentals of the industry.

2. How has moving to Bali influenced your craft? What is next for the brand?

Moving to Bali has been a gift on both a personal and creative level. It’s my seaside playground. I share its love of the ocean, as well as the freedom and relaxed spirit the Island represents. Spending time here has made me realize that there are still many aspects of the brand that has yet to be explored. I plan on exploring the vast artistic opportunity India provides, and how I can integrate that in the brand. Being Indian, this is very close to my heart and something I look forward to developing.

3.Where do your influences for Bridal in particular come from?

True to my Cancerian nature, I try and keep things fluid. Whatever I’m into at the time is usually what brings my creations to life. For bridal however, it’s of course about my client’s needs. I work very closely with my brides and make sure each piece delivers not just a product but also an experience.

4.Can you share an example in particular?

I love working with all my brides. Each bridal piece is so special. A particular example: Working with a Pakistani blogger, Marjhan Kausar (as pictured)/IG :marjhankausar) who gave me the honor to do her bridal piece. I designed and curated a one off, down to her favorite lining color in pink, which went perfectly with her Sana Safinaz ensemble.

5. How was your experience Co Designing with Victoria’s Secret model Barbara Fialho?

Working with Barbara Fialho was an extremely cool experience. There is no ordinary moment. This was definitely a highlight in my journey so far. We Co designed the ‘Barbara’ clutch within 3 weeks over skype. Her support and compliance lead to a successful run, profits of which went back to my artisans.

We both shared a real passion for honoring the craftsman.

In a bullish industry, I’m extremely humbled and thankful for the opportunity.

6.How did this come along? Did the passion for accessories always exist? Or was it the fact that you maybe studied the field and tapped on to the market?

I think a culmination of everything, really! I never planned to be a designer. Its like they say ‘life is what happens when your making other plans.’ I’ve always had a love and adoration for handbags, and continue to do so. I started collecting when I was 16. My first job in college  (Hugo Boss, Retail) was so I could earn enough to buy a Chanel bag, which my dad had promised he would match the amount for. It’s nostalgic reflecting back. That, along with a passion for the industry, and a window of opportunity/gap in the market I saw- lead to the birth of the label: ahikoza.

7.What makes your brand stand apart from the rest of the brands out there?

I have a respect and adoration for many designers, including those working with exotic skins. There is some really cool stuff out there. Ahikoza I think stands apart due to its geometric nature is design. My designs are influenced by architectural installations, and crafted down to the millimeter. I have a love for geometry and I think that is communicated very clearly across the designs. Its our signature. The geometrical elements are what set us aside.

8.Where do you turn to for inspiration? How do you come up with collections? How do you price your products?

       The label is inspired by my global travels and cultural background, alongside adoration for handbags and exotic skins alike. The label's signature aesthetic is exotics merged with geometrics. My inspirations come from everywhere! My bags are named after my best friends, so a lot of the times its their personal style as well which gives life/fuels the design.

       My prices range from PKR 55,00.00 to PKR 80,920.00.

       I like to define it as discrete luxury consumption at valued prices for beautifully crafted products.

9.What does Ahikoza mean? How did you decide to name your brand that?

      The name 'Ahikoza' comes from the Sanskrit words Ahi and Koza. It means the cast of snakeskin. With my roots tied to India, I wanted a name that uniquely captured the core of the brand. In a saturated luxury accessories market, I wanted to streamline my collection by exclusively focusing on exotic skins. Minimal treatment and hardware are used, keeping the primary focus on craftsmanship and exoticism of the skins themselves.

10.What is your brand vision? How do you see your brand in the next 10 years?

  To create more designs with love and offer my clients cutting edge designs for their             wardrobes! Of course to bring my label to Pakistan, as well. I currently retail in South East Asia, Cape Town, South Africa and online. Would like to expand to the US and let life and my brand fluidly take me to places, as it has thus far.

Embracing the whole process with creative energy and most importantly and abundance of gratitude.

Adorned with hand embroidered sequins, and trimmed with cobra skin, this Minaudière is the perfect bridal clutch, and even sleek cocktail accessory! A gold clasp closure, elevates the style with just the right amount of discreet luxury.