Designer Abarna Kugathasan lives in a paradoxical world between cultures and traditions. Growing up compressed between her conservative Tamil world and her surroundings, she "longed for a home [she had] never met." So, she built her own called .
Kitschy Couture is a celebration of diasporic identity, creativity and self-love. The brand's collections are inspired by the traditional sari draping that Kugathasan learned from her mom. But she gave it an entirely new perspective.
Instead of woven or silk fabric, Kugathasan's garments are brought to life through lace and lingerie, in an angelic, yet kitschy way. Following the show concept about a bride marrying herself, Kitschy Couture is setting off for its honeymoon in an "Artificial Paradise." For her show held at , Kugathasan presented an ethereal collection featuring deconstructed swimwear and lingerie-inspired dresses with hand-sewn roses and rhinestone dolphins.
Elsewhere a slim-tailored mermaid skirt in bright turquoise and , underscored the transcultural fantasy of living between worlds. Continue reading to hear from Kugathasan herself on building her SS25 show, "Artificial Paradise," and her dedication to making everyone feel at home. I would describe Kitschy Couture as a nostalgic dream of a paradoxical in between world.
I have Tamil roots, my parents are from Sri Lanka but I was born and raised in Germany. So, the brand is looking back and honoring my childhood memories from being born and raised in a transcultural home.
