KAANJJ Press
De-Blinging Indian Fashion for the Diaspora
Kaanjj, a London-based e-commerce platform founded by Karnika and Sonal Kisnadwala, is carving a niche in Indian fashion for the global diaspora by spotlighting artisanal, non-bridal, and thoughtfully curated pieces. With a strong focus on craftsmanship, sustainable labels, and small-scale designers, Kaanjj offers a fresh alternative to the sequinned spectacle often associated with Indian wear making heritage textiles and contemporary design accessible to a worldwide audience.
Meet the mother-daughter duo behind a new India-forward e-commerce platform
Kaanjj is a London-based e-commerce platform founded by mother-daughter duo Sonal and Karnika Kisnadwala, with a mission to celebrate the richness of South Asian craftsmanship for a global audience. Moving beyond bridalwear, Kaanjj curates timeless, handcrafted fashion from emerging designers and artisan-led brands across the subcontinent. With a deep commitment to sustainability, ethical sourcing, and social impact—including support for disabled orphans through Shishur Sevay and reforestation efforts in Lonavala the platform blends purpose with style.
Connecting Threads: The South Asian Creatives Making Their Mark Globally
Karnika Kisnadwala is rewriting the rules of how South Asian fashion is seen, worn, and celebrated. As the co-founder of Kaanjj, an e-commerce platform that champions Indian craftsmanship, she’s pushing past bridal clichés to spotlight a broader, more nuanced narrative of style. "There’s more to Indian fashion than just weddings," she says. "What about everyday heritage?" Raised in a family deeply rooted in both tradition and travel, Karnika always felt that identity didn’t need to be one-dimensional. This belief fuels Kaanjj’s ethos—bringing contemporary relevance to time-honored crafts. From handwoven saris to wearable, sustainable separates, Kaanjj serves as a bridge between rural artisans and a global audience hungry for authenticity with edge.
Meet the mother-daughter duos who have launched businesses together and how they deal with their boundary issues
Karnika Kisnadwala, 29, co-founded the online boutique Kaanjj with her mother Sonal, 63, in August 2021 from their West London home. The idea arose during the pandemic when Karnika couldn't travel to India for Diwali shopping and noticed a lack of accessible South Asian fashion in the UK. Sonal, a passionate collector of handloomed garments, began purchasing stock from struggling artisans, leading them to start selling to others facing similar challenges. Despite differing tastes—Karnika prefers experimental styles while Sonal favors traditional hand-embroidered pieces—their complementary skills make their partnership successful. Sonal handles supplier logistics and shipping from India, while Karnika manages UK accounting and social media. Their collaboration allows them to combine their strengths and passions, creating a platform that bridges cultural gaps and supports artisans.
A South Asian Marketplace For Slow Fashion Makes Craftsmanship Accessible
Founded by mother-daughter duo Sonal and Karnika Kisnadwala, Kaanjj is a global digital platform redefining South Asian fashion through the lens of sustainability, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Showcasing over 50 artisan-led brands, Kaanjj champions the legacy of handloom and handicraft traditions while making them accessible to the modern diaspora. Born out of a love for culture and a desire to uplift overlooked artisans, this thoughtful venture transforms shopping into an immersive, meaningful experience that celebrates the timeless beauty of heritage wear.
12 South Asian Fashion, Lifestyle & Beauty Innovators That Should Be on Your Radar
Founded by mother-daughter duo Sonal and Karnika Kisnadwala, Kaanjj is a first-of-its-kind digital platform that connects global audiences to over 50 South Asian designer labels. From sarees to professional wear, the brand champions timeless, sustainable fashion while spotlighting artisans from India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
Kaanjj India: Empowering South Asian Artisans Through Fashion
Launched in July last year, Kaanjj has already established itself as a go-to for a modern take on traditional Indian fashion.Our starting point was during the pandemic when creatives were struggling to stay afloat, says daughter Karnika Kisnadwala. “We wanted to build a platform to promote and empower craftspeople. The brand now stocks the wares of more than 40 independent makers of silk saris, elegant ghararas, and potli bags. My appreciation for slow fashion began with my love for my grandmothers’ wardrobes. Our goal is to make enduring pieces that will be passed down.
Where To Buy Your Wedding Outfits?
Kaanjj London is a slow fashion brand redefining South Asian occasion wear through a sustainable lens. Celebrated for reimagining traditional prints in contemporary silhouettes, Kaanjj offers a thoughtfully curated edit that blends cultural heritage with modern elegance.
What To Wear To An Indian Wedding: Your Ultimate Guide To Be The Best Dressed Guest
The article focuses on providing outfit ideas for attending Indian weddings. The piece features a selection of garments suitable for various wedding events, including traditional sarees and contemporary ensembles. Among the highlighted options is a handwoven moss green organza sari from KAANJJ, a brand known for its elegant and culturally resonant designs. This sari exemplifies the blend of traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, offering wedding guests a sophisticated choice for such occasions.
The Best Bags For A Wedding, Perfect For Any Ceremony
The Grazia Daily article features the Kaanjj Golden Bird Potli Bag as a standout accessory for wedding guests seeking a blend of tradition and modernity. Priced at £43, this potli bag is crafted from raw silk and delicately embroidered, making it a sustainable and stylish choice for special occasions. The piece is highlighted for its craftsmanship and versatility, suitable for various wedding events beyond just the ceremony. Notably, Kaanjj is recognized as a boutique that supports independent South Asian designers and sustainable craftsmanship, adding an ethical dimension to its appeal.
What To Do This Weekend 14.09.23
The SheerLuxe Weekend Guide highlights the Kaanjj Pop-Up as a must-visit event for fashion enthusiasts. Taking place from September 15th to 17th on King's Road, Chelsea, this pop-up shop offers a curated selection of clothing and accessories from 25 South Asian designers and sustainable brands. Confirmed brands include Studio Rigu, Happi Space, Anatina, and Energy Studios. Shoppers can also enjoy free styling sessions and meet some of the designers in person. This event provides a unique opportunity to discover and support emerging South Asian talent in the fashion industry
Specialty E-Tailers Are Curating Indian Designers for the Diaspora
Kaanjj is featured by Business of Fashion as part of a new generation of curated e-commerce platforms connecting Indian designers with the global diaspora. The article highlights Kaanjj's expertise in understanding the evolving preferences of overseas South Asian consumers, with founder Karnika Kisnadwala noting that UK customers tend to favour versatile everyday pieces, while US customers gravitate towards occasion wear and more embellished styles. The feature positions Kaanjj as a thoughtful curator of Indian fashion for international markets, driven by a deep understanding of diaspora shopping behaviour.
