Ever imagined sporting a cap with Kancheevaram checks? At Kirimoo, a quirky fashion venture started by Kirthana Muthyala, the focus has been on finding fabrics with motifs you would never expect to sport on your head! From owls to leafy prints to triangles and fishy detailing, every piece promises a splash bright colour with a unique pattern that you most certainly wouldn’t find available at your local sports store.
“I think Chennai sorely needs some funky head gear,” says the 27-year-old with a smile. And to source the funk in her creations, she shares, “I’ve been everywhere from Gujarat to Delhi and Bengaluru to source my textiles. But my go-to place is still Pantheon Road in Egmore.” One time she recalls, “I found a very standout motif of bulls on perfect drill cotton. Unfortunately, the guy refused to part with it telling me it was what he used to cover his stock!”
Her distinct taste certainly seems to be working though. Over a matter of eight months, this designer’s creations have grown so popular online, that not only does she get orders from Mumbai and Delhi, she’s even catering her design services for an Italian wedding this summer. Herein comes the second part of her venture — bowties that are more fun than formal.
While they’re certainly racing ahead on the popularity scale, courtesy their no-fuss slip on, slip off use, Kirthana admits these really were born out of the waste scrap material left behind from her caps. “I’ve always loved textiles,” she shares, “so when I find fabrics that are too cool to waste, I tell my manufacturer to keep the extra bits for me,” the NIFT graduate explains.
You can style them with anything from a formal white shirt to a drab dress that needs a pick-me-up on the colour palette. And each one is as handmade with a cotton strap that is adjustable to your neckline.
“I used to make the straps myself as well, but now with the amount of work coming in, I’ve sourced this to my lady tailor down the street from house,” she let’s on. Turns out, this lady was as curious as any of Kirthana’s first time buyers and was highly amused when she saw the finished product. “So I promised I would make a bowtie for her daughter, who wants to wear it on her hair instead,” adds Kirthana. “I guess that hair accessories could be my next market in the works!” she signs off with a laugh.
Check out the Kirimoo Facebook page or log on to oomro.com. The bowties are priced at Rs 350, and the caps cost between Rs 420 and Rs 450.