Interview
Kitschy Couture: A Celebration of Love and Diversity
The Kitschy Couture showcase at Ballhaus Pankow during Berlin Fashion Week in February was a colorful celebration of love, identity, and cultural rediscovery. In her collection named "Buttercream Fantasy", designer Abarna Kugathasan presented intricate saris, lingerie-inspired looks, and dramatic bridal dresses, drawing inspiration from her Sri Lankan and Tamil roots, bringing her unique narrative of identity and cultural inclusivity to the forefront of the fashion scene. We took a look behind the scenes, into the past and the future of the talented designer and asked about her very personal view of (fashion) things.
Abarna Kugathasan’s journey into the fashion realm is deeply rooted in her Sri Lankan and Tamil heritage, intertwined with a Western upbringing. Raised by a mother who was a skilled tailor of traditional Tamil womenswear, she was immersed in the world of fabric and fashion from a young age. "My childhood was filled with the hum of the sewing machine and the sight of colorful silks being transformed into beautiful garments," the designer recalls. This early exposure to the craft sparked her passion for fashion, which she has since nurtured into a flourishing career.
“My childhood was filled with the hum of the sewing machine and the sight of colorful silks.”
Her debut collection, "Buttercream Fantasy", showcased at Ballhaus Pankow, was an emotive celebration of her dual heritage, blending traditional Tamil sari drapings with contemporary Western design elements. "This collection is a dialogue between my past and my present. It represents the fusion of my worlds, allowing me to narrate my journey from the traditional to the modern, and exploring how these two can coexist and enrich each other," Kugathasan explains. The show was not only a display of fashion but also an expression of personal identity and a reclamation of cultural roots.
The Process: Weaving Memories into Fashion
"Creating 'Buttercream Fantasy' was a profoundly personal process. It allowed me to articulate my identity through each design," Kugathasan shares during our exclusive interview. Her approach to design is intensely personal, weaving memories of homesickness and heritage into her garments. "Every piece tells a story - a narrative of longing, joy, and the complex journey of being a diaspora child. Each garment is imbued with the essence of a home both remembered and imagined," she elaborates.
“Every piece tells a story - a narrative of longing, joy, and the complex journey of being a diaspora child.”
Abarna Kugathasan’s participation in her first Berlin Fashion Week was a milestone laden with emotion and anticipation. "Minutes before the show, I felt a mixture of disbelief and excitement. It was surreal to see my vision come to life, to share my story through the language of fashion," she reflects. The event was a critical success, with attendees praising the heartfelt integration of cultural elements into modern design.
Kitschy Couture has gained international acclaim, featured in prestigious magazines such as Vogue India and i-D Magazine. This recognition has reinforced Abarna Kugathasan’s mission to highlight South Asian cultural diversity and the narratives of the Tamil diaspora. "It is vital for these voices to be heard, to ensure that our stories resonate within the global tapestry of fashion," she states. Her designs serve as a platform for cultural dialogue and a celebration of diasporic identity.
A Matter of Heart: Bringing more Diversity and Inclusion in Fashion
As Abarna Kugathasan looks to the future, her focus is firmly on fostering diversity and inclusivity within the fashion industry. "Our goal at Kitschy Couture is not just to create clothes but to spark conversations, to challenge norms, and to celebrate diversity," she emphasizes. This commitment is evident in her casting choices and collaborations, which aim to reflect a wide spectrum of backgrounds and stories.
Berlin, a city celebrated for its cultural freedom and creative spirit, serves as the perfect base for Abarna Kugathasan’s visionary work. "Berlin’s dynamic and diverse atmosphere inspires me every day. It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds, where fashion can be a revolutionary act," she says. Through her involvement with the German Fashion Council and various cultural initiatives, she is actively participating in reshaping Berlin’s fashion landscape to be more inclusive and representative of its multicultural population.
"Berlin’s dynamic and diverse atmosphere inspires me every day. It’s a place where creativity knows no bounds, where fashion can be a revolutionary act.”
Abarna Kugathasan’s journey with Kitschy Couture is a vivid example of how fashion can transcend aesthetic appeal to become a powerful medium for storytelling and social change. It is clear that the young designer will continue to inspire and lead in the conversation on cultural diversity and inclusion in fashion.
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