Indian couture label Karleo has launched what may be India’s first exclusive white wedding gown store in this country. What used to be a consultancy for Christian brides, where they would curate and style from head to toe, has now become a full fledged store, where you can buy everything from the wedding headband and veil to full length wedding and evening dresses. What is more important, is the fact that the aesthetics are suited for Indian markets, but have a potential global appeal, with modern silhouettes and cuts. They refer to it as the “modern Indian gown”.
Karleo’s eponymous label is yet a fledgling company (get your fix before they become too popular) and retail on a project-to-project basis.
Karleo’s eponymous label is yet a fledgling company (get your fix before they become too popular) and retail on a project-to-project basis. Karleo is engaged on a personal basis at every step from choosing the accurate colour for the gown, to deciding on fabrics, silhouettes, embroideries and embellishments, styling, accessories and advice on matching jewellery.
They are very particular about achieving the accurate representation of what the client requires from them, as well as leaving space for adjustments, so their clients receive a computerized design, a temporary trial garment, and a design file that contains all the sketches and samples of fabrics and embellishments to be used on the final garment, leaving plenty of chances for the bride to change her mind on something, if she must.
Every designer piece that they create is customised from scratch if so required by the bride. They cater to eclectic choices; it is not necessary that they stick to white; they have even experimented with yellow, avoiding mass retailing.
Currently the store operates out of their studio in Mahim Road, but they are available online at www.karleo.com. For those who want to purchase from them but stay out of town, can order from them over email. They also have regular pop up stores in Mumbai’s Vintage Garden. Materials they work with involve a lot of tulle, georgette, crepe, beads and crystals, some ethnic, some Swarovski..