Netflix’s Girlboss had me coming back every night for the clothes. The loose retelling of once-upon-a-time clothing giant Nasty Gal’s founder, Sophia Amoruso, was riddled with problems but the sight of the iconic East West jacket kept me hooked. Quality vintage fashion in India is a rare sight so I stayed with Sophia even though she continued to test my patience as the overly-entitled protagonist of Girlboss, if only to learn a little bit more about the Nasty Gal empire, the culture of thrift shops and the appeal of vintage fashion.
Now in Mumbai, I’m thrilled to hear that a two-day pop-up curated by stylist Kanika Karvinkop is coming to town - maybe my vintage fashion-starved wardrobe and overall aesthetic has a chance after all. Based in New York, Kanika spends seven months of the year working with digital magazines like Wonderland Magazine, Bullett, Nylon and Refinery 29, putting together stunning editorials for these harbingers of sartorial hope. A stylist with a penchant for vintage, her work brings her up close and personal with one-of-a-kind pieces like a satin Christian Dior blouse from the 90s or floral Max Mara co-ords that belong to the 80s. Over the last year, Kanika’s large collection of carefully curated vintage fashion has grown immensely and threatens to burst at the seams. Originally from a country that’s had very limited access to quality vintage fashion, the young stylist has now decided what to do with her special selection of rare, exquisite pieces. Bring it back home, of course.
The idea came to Kanika while she was in the process of setting up a new store in New York. ‘No Borders’ will open to the city’s impeccably dressed women later next year and revolves around the idea of diversity in fashion, art and culture. The creations of Indian designers like Eka, Anavila, Pero and Rajesh Pratap will find place at No Borders, in addition to the contemporary work of designers from South Asia and Africa. However, when Kanika found herself back in Mumbai for two months, she decided to showcase her enviable collection of vintage fashion for the same reason I’m so excited about it - there’s so little we know about true vintage in the country. I imagine the feeling of running my shaky hands over a delicate lace dress, straight out of the 30s, would be similar to unwrapping one of my grandmother’s tussar silk saris from another era and, it is because of our love for all things ancient, precious and wonderful, that I believe vintage fashion will appeal to Indian sensibilities.
What’s on the racks at this pop-up (set against the backdrop of designer James Ferreira’s breathtaking Portuguese villa in Kotchiwadi) you ask? High-fashion vintage Dior, Fendi, Valentino, Ralph Lauren and Gucci, with space for both accessories and clothing. Kanika excitedly tells me about a few of her favourite pieces which include a Calvin Klein belt from the 70s, a Norma Kamali dress from the 80s and a lace dress that’s been almost perfectly preserved from the 1930s. The prices of these pieces range from INR 7,000 - INR 30,000 but will make for a priceless addition to any wardrobe (bring out those Mastercards, ladies).
Kanika believes that no space could be more perfect or special than James’ house - a slice of history, transported perfectly to the 21st century - for her vintage pop-up. In addition to the art that adorns the walls of this house in South Mumbai, Kulture Shop will be curating pieces especially for the pop-up as well. The progressive, edgy work of contemporary artists will be on display side-by-side with Gucci from another generation, a seamless coming together of the old with the new.
Entry to the pop-up is free which is just as well, so you can spend all your money on a statement bag.
When: Dec 16 - 17
Where: Ferreira House, Kotchiwadi
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