The Journey of
Archana Karthick:
A Fashion Love Story
The Journey of
Archana Karthick:
A Fashion Love Story
Archana Karthick is more than just a fashion brand; it is the embodiment of a journey between two passionate individuals, Archana and Karthick, who found their calling in the world of fashion. The journey began when Archana and Karthick met and discovered their mutual interest in fashion. Archana, who was born in Odisha, had always been passionate about fashion. Her artistic journey started in childhood, as she explored art and craft with her mother. Together, they engaged in various crafting activities, including crocheting and painting, drawing inspiration from the vibrant culture of her home state. Her interest in fashion was kindled by dressing up dolls with beads, pearls, and fabrics, a passion that grew as she created clothes from her mother’s saris and crafted crochet pieces using unconventional materials adorned with handcrafted paintings.
Necessity is the mother of invention
In December 2016, with little knowledge of the fashion industry but a shared vision, Archana and Karthick embarked on their journey. They were encouraged to take the plunge by Karthick’s father, who gave them the confidence to move forward despite the uncertainties. Starting from humble beginnings, with just one cutting master and an embroidery artist, they set up shop in a nearly dilapidated house.
Their journey towards sustainability started long before they launched their first collection. They would suggest that clients upcycle their outfits, creating beautiful pieces from garments that might otherwise be discarded. In fact, the first piece they ever created was made from their neighbor’s mother’s old sari. This approach not only brought them immense pleasure but also aligned with Karthick’s strong belief that sustainability is the way forward, rooted in his background in environmental science.
Their breakthrough came when they participated in an exhibition, showcasing their unique collection. The response was overwhelming—90% of their creations were sold, and the audience’s appreciation boosted their confidence. Archana Karthick was born. Archana took charge of the designing process, while Karthick handled the marketing, establishing a harmonious partnership that has become the backbone of their brand.
Their hard work and dedication were recognized in 2019 when they received the prestigious Best Wedding Designer award from Wedding Vows. along with several other accolades. They specialized in customization, tailoring designs to their clients’ preferences, and presenting collections that reflected both traditional craftsmanship and contemporary fashion.
In 2022, they released their first collection” Lo-mance” , which was a huge success and nearly sold out. As they complete their seventh year, Archana and Karthick are preparing to unveil a new collection that promises to be a testament to their growth and innovation in the fashion industry.
Archana Karthick is a story of passion, perseverance, and partnership, reflecting the unique blend of cultural heritage and modern design that defines their creations. As they continue their journey, Archana and Karthick remain committed to their vision of bringing artistic expression to life through fashion, captivating hearts with every stitch and every design.
THE VISION
At Archana Karthick, we are committed to creating fashion that bridges the gap between tradition and modernity. Our collections aim to showcase the rich heritage, craftsmanship, and culture behind every theme in a contemporary and sophisticated manner. We believe in celebrating high-end couture without leaving behind the essence of their cultural roots. As we unveil our seasonal collections, we strive to captivate the world with designs that tell stories of our past while embracing the future.
Team Archana Karthick
Our love for handcrafted creations drives us to highlight the artisans who bring these designs to life, by nurturing their talent and passion. We aim to make our artisans vibrate at a higher level of creativity and recognition, ensuring that their skills and dedication are celebrated on a global stage. Our vision is to inspire through art & fashion, creating timeless pieces that honor the artistry of the past while truly resonating with today’s global audience.
Sustainability is an integral part of our brand. We ensure that every collection we create embraces sustainability in ever way possible, reflecting our commitment to the environment. Even our first ever outfit was of an upcycled outfit, demonstrating our dedication to sustainable fashion from the start. Karthick, our co-founder, strongly believes that sustainability is the only way forward, and this belief guides us in every piece that we create.
ACHIEVEMENTS
Archana Karthick has been recognized for its exceptional contributions to the fashion industry with numerous prestigious awards. In 2019, the brand received the Best Bridal Wear Designer Award from Wedding Vows Magazine, a distinction awarded through an All India Voting process, highlighting their prowess in creating exquisite bridal couture.
In 2021, Archana Karthick was honored with India’s Most Prominent Indian Icon Award in the category of Highly Recommended Leading Fashion Designer of the Year, presented by former Indian cricketer Mr. Kapil Dev and Ms. Universe Ms. Sushmita Sen.
The same year, the brand was also awarded the Global Choice Award for Most Promising Fashion Designer of the Year, presented by Lara Dutta, Ms. Universe, further cementing their status as leaders in innovative fashion design.
In 2022, Archana Karthick’s continued excellence was recognized with the National Achievers Award from NARF in New Delhi, celebrating their commitment to excellence and creative vision in the world of fashion.