Khara Kapas’ Fall-Winter collection, Elsewhere, has been a slow, thoughtful creation, one that evolved over months of exploration and inspiration. The first sparks of ideation began earlier this year during their sampling for the European market, but the collection truly came to life after their founder, Shilpi Yadav, curated her latest art series. Rooted in her signature watercolor artworks, the prints capture fleeting glimpses of nature and the quiet beauty of fall. The color palette draws from earthy tones and muted hues, inspired by her travels through China, where the transition from spring inspired new ways of seeing color, texture, and foliage. They focused on achieving harmony between movement and precision, designing garments that are functional, comfortable, and effortlessly flattering.
Each piece is imagined for the modern woman, practical yet elevated, versatile enough to move seamlessly from day to evening. Lightweight trench coats, classic bonnet jackets embody their vision of timeless dressing: pieces that transcend seasons and make dressing up feel as natural as breathing. They have also worked with heritage printing techniques such as discharge and block printing, to lend authenticity and artistry to every piece. These traditional methods, combined with contemporary cuts, reflect their commitment to preserving craft while reimagining it for the modern world. The collection is designed to move effortlessly across borders and occasions, from day to evening, and from season to season. Gender-neutral jackets, structured pants, and fluid skirts redefine versatility, offering timeless silhouettes that go beyond trends. Every detail embodies the Khara Kapas philosophy, celebrating natural fabrics, thoughtful craftsmanship, and effortless design that speaks to a global, conscious woman. More inputs from the founder Shilpi Yadav, on the creation of the collection below.
Ladakh’s Landscape
Ladakh’s landscape beautifully mirrors the mood of the collection - serene, grounded, and quietly powerful. The vast, muted terrains and soft winter light echoed the palette, prints, silhouettes and textures we explored this season. We wanted to keep the spirit of Ladakh alive throughout the Elsewhere campaign. The styling drew from locally sourced and vintage pieces, grounding the visuals in authenticity and connection. Our collaboration with the local community, from our talent to the videographer - added another layer of meaning. It wasn’t just about framing the region’s beauty, but experiencing it through the eyes of those who call it home. Their perspective brought honesty and soulfulness to every frame, creating a narrative that feels as real and reflective as the land itself: a tribute to Ladakh’s quiet strength and enduring grace.
Materials Used
Our Fall-Winter collection celebrates the depth and diversity of Indian textiles, a tribute to cotton in all its forms. We’ve explored an array of cotton varieties, from soft, flowing duo-dot weaves that drape beautifully to more structured, weightier fabrics like twills, oxfords, and corduroy. Each fabric has been chosen to serve a purpose: movement where needed, structure where desired. The collection was born out of our love for experimentation with texture and form. The lighter, breathable cottons lend themselves effortlessly to our signature fluid silhouettes, while the denser weaves bring in a sense of architectural precision. This balance creates garments that feel both comfortable and composed, easy yet elevated. We developed the watercolor-inspired prints that serve as the foundation of the collection’s color palette: delicate, nature-driven, and versatile. These prints come alive across our fabrics, giving traditional weaves a contemporary sensibility. Every piece is crafted in India using natural fibers and mindful processes, reflecting the Khara Kapas philosophy - where comfort meets craftsmanship, and everyday wear becomes quietly sophisticated.
The Ethos of Returning to the Self
The idea behind shooting this campaign in Ladakh was more than just choosing a location, it was deeply personal. I’m an army kid, and I spent two years of my childhood in Leh, where my father was posted as an aviator. Those years felt like living a real-life Famous Five adventure - surrounded by vast landscapes, mountain air, and a culture so rich and kind that it left an imprint on my heart.I had always dreamt of returning to Leh, like many of us who long to revisit our childhood memories. With Elsewhere, that dream came true. It also arrived at a pivotal moment for Khara Kapas, our tenth anniversary, a time when we wanted to redefine our narrative and push our boundaries. Ladakh’s serene, minimalist landscape felt like a reflection of our brand’s essence. Calm, grounded, and quietly powerful. Shooting there felt like time travel, we were transported to a world that lived in our memories, pure and unaltered. It was as if both the brand and I had come full circle, returning to our roots to rediscover who we truly are.
Challenges
There were many. We wanted to capture Ladakh in its truest form, the way I had seen it growing up in the ’90s. That meant venturing beyond the usual tourist routes and revisiting the hidden parts of eastern Ladakh. We took on the challenge of covering this vast terrain in just 48 hours. Our team, a mix of locals and a few of us who flew in from Delhi, worked relentlessly, moving from altitudes of ten thousand to sixteen thousand feet within a single day. It was a guerrilla-style shoot, raw and unfiltered, driven by passion and purpose. Despite the exhaustion, the thin air, and the unpredictable weather, the energy was electric. There was a shared sense of purpose, to tell a story that felt honest. In the end, the experience was as fulfilling as it was demanding. It reminded us why we do what we do.
The Future
At Khara Kapas, the journey is ever-evolving. With creativity at our core, new ideas are always taking shape. We recently opened our flagship store in Mumbai, a milestone that marks our growing connection with the city. Looking ahead, we’re exploring exciting opportunities for international expansion in the US and Europe, while also strengthening our retail presence across India. Our menswear category continues to grow, and we’re expanding our accessory line to offer a more holistic Khara Kapas experience. The future holds endless possibilities, and we’re just getting started.
Words Neeraja Srinivasan
Date 19-11-2025