With the game of ludo and moonflowers as starting points, symbolic influences harmonise with a utilitarian slant in MoonRay’s SS22 collection
At MoonRay, the key to making purposefully designed, sustainable garments is “in the simple fact of knowing you can''. The philosophy is a welcome departure from the fashion industry’s continual, single minded quest to speed up the production cycle. Founded by Karishma Swali - managing director of the acclaimed family-run export business Chanakya and one half of the label JADE - and her daughter Avantika, MoonRay is a project that passes on the exquisite Indian savoir faire and craftsmanship skills treasured by high fashion, to ready to wear garments. “Our clothes are made to love and last, not discard”, is the belief at the heart of the brand.
With the game of ludo and moonflowers as starting points, symbolic influences harmonise with a utilitarian slant, offering an insouciant intersection between geometric and feminine elements in their Spring/Summer 22 collection - underpinned by the keynote of ‘you are home’. “The collection is inspired by the harmony in patterns and playfulness of board games; while the experimental geometry reflects freedom to grow and bloom at one’s own time & pace, just like the Moonflower which freely blooms by the light of the moon.” Handcrafted details such as the motif of a moon drop cut out, blanket stitches and embroidered appliqués embellish tailored but easy silhouettes.
Ostensibly not trend-driven yet young in spirit, the design direction is as antidotal as the artisanal know-how that goes behind crafting each piece. Their holistic approach to conscious fashion is echoed by the sustainability focussed choice of fabrics, that range from hand woven indegenious Kala cottons, organic cottons, to FSC certified viscose and raw denim. “I feel so fortunate to be celebrating my 25th year at Chanakya this year- our craft community is family and I have learnt so much from craft and its innate wisdom – excellence, innovation, patience, creativity, community, and conscious living!”, says Karishma. For the team passionate about preserving excellence in conscious luxury and enriching communities, being environmentally and socially responsible is a natural extension of the same values. Fifty percent of the brand’s profits are donated to nonprofits committed to educating children and animal welfare.
At MoonRay, the key to making purposefully designed, sustainable garments is “in the simple fact of knowing you can''. The philosophy is a welcome departure from the fashion industry’s continual, single minded quest to speed up the production cycle. Founded by Karishma Swali - managing director of the acclaimed family-run export business Chanakya and one half of the label JADE - and her daughter Avantika, MoonRay is a project that passes on the exquisite Indian savoir faire and craftsmanship skills treasured by high fashion, to ready to wear garments. “Our clothes are made to love and last, not discard”, is the belief at the heart of the brand.
With the game of ludo and moonflowers as starting points, symbolic influences harmonise with a utilitarian slant, offering an insouciant intersection between geometric and feminine elements in their Spring/Summer 22 collection - underpinned by the keynote of ‘you are home’. “The collection is inspired by the harmony in patterns and playfulness of board games; while the experimental geometry reflects freedom to grow and bloom at one’s own time & pace, just like the Moonflower which freely blooms by the light of the moon.” Handcrafted details such as the motif of a moon drop cut out, blanket stitches and embroidered appliqués embellish tailored but easy silhouettes.
Ostensibly not trend-driven yet young in spirit, the design direction is as antidotal as the artisanal know-how that goes behind crafting each piece. Their holistic approach to conscious fashion is echoed by the sustainability focussed choice of fabrics, that range from hand woven indigenous Kala cottons, organic cottons, to FSC certified viscose and raw denim. “I feel so fortunate to be celebrating my 25th year at Chanakya this year- our craft community is family and I have learnt so much from craft and its innate wisdom – excellence, innovation, patience, creativity, community, and conscious living!”, says Karishma. For the team passionate about preserving excellence in conscious luxury and enriching communities, being environmentally and socially responsible is a natural extension of the same values. Fifty percent of the brand’s profits are donated to nonprofits committed to educating children and animal welfare.
