Pass the Platform | Namita Khade

Fashion : Meet

23 March 2021

At Because, it's been our mission to champion the brands that may have gone under the radar in the sea of stuff available to us. In light of what's been happening globally over the last few months, we've noticed this is needed now more than ever, and have been wondering how best to continue this.

Hence the start of our latest feature, Pass the Platform, where we'll be sharing a selection of interviews who would have been picked by the interviewee prior, starting a thread and community of brands that are doing good within the fashion and beauty worlds. We hope this will bring attention to different voices that aren't always heard within these realms, as per our pledge to do better.

Nominated by Aissata Ibrahima, next up is CSM BA Fashion Design student Namita Khade. We caught up with the young designer to learn more about how she's weaving her life story and sustainability into her knitwear creations...

What is it about knitwear that attracted you to use it as a medium for experimentation?
Knitwear was a pathway that I got into by accident, on my foundation I always loved hand knotting ropes, tying yarns and threads together with beading and finding ways of creating my own fabric, I only realised that it was a form of knitwear when I applied for Central Saint Martins and it was recommended as a route to go down by one of the tutors there. I love the fact that you start from scratch with it, from sourcing the yarns or spinning them yourself, then creating something wearable out of it. This handmade process in general feels special and gives me more of an insight to the craftsmanship of how clothes are made.

How does your Indian heritage influence your designs?
It’s a part of who I am, I’ve been born and raised in the north-west of the UK and most of my relatives are in India, the city and the villages. With the stark contrast of the traditional lifestyle of my relatives’ vs living in a city like London, bringing those elements together has always felt natural to me.

Freshwater pearl dress on Chiara Morrironi shot by Zaineb Abelque

Your body-hugging, skin baring designs carry an expression of freedom and movement. Are these the kinds of feelings you'd like to impart to those who wear your clothes? Do you set out with a certain intention or aim in mind during the creative process?
Yeah definitely, although the feeling of freedom comes from yourself and sometimes clothes that you are comfortable and confident in can help make you feel that too. I like to work with yarns and materials that feel soft and relaxed on the body. I’ve been working on a customs basis more recently, in which I work with the wearer directly to find a balance within my own design and their personal preferences, which gives me more insight on different body types, I love this process as it’s way more personal and direct with the wearer.

What techniques are you currently experimenting with?
I’m currently experimenting with creating my own yarn from waste materials, which can be really time consuming but also really satisfying when created into a garment.

Clip top on Georgina D'Silva

How has the pandemic challenged your work as a young designer?
The pandemic has ultimately created my brand as a young designer. With more time to think and reflect on my own work, I still have days where I struggle to create anything and days where I’m the most productive. It has made me not try to run the pace of the industry, but just draw, paint, collage, knit and design at my own pace and do more things for myself.

Share with us any upcoming plans for 2021?
Right now, my plan is to research, keep developing my skill set and hopefully travel a little bit before I enter my final year of university later this year, where I’ll be working on my first collection which I’m really excited to share with you all.