(Source: https://runstripe.com/ekta-unveils-debut-springsummer-2016-collection)

It is said that life begins on the other side of fear, and for Ekta Kalan this could not ring more true. After resigning from her life as a strategic consultant, Kalan bid her goodbyes to the corporate world in exchange for a world more vivid – one filled with bright colours and textured fabrics; a life of expression.

In 2016 the EKTA brand was born. Borrowing from Kalan’s rich cultural heritage, extensive travels and her tailored craftmanship, EKTA was an unstoppable force. Now with three sucessfully-launched seasonal collections, two of which have been showcased at SAFW, it is obvious that Kalan knows what she is doing.

With her first collection often described as an explosion of colour, it was this Playhouse introduction and its strong design aesthetic that instantly garnered attention. It was no surprise that the internationally renowned, Not Just Another Label awarded Kalan with Black Sheep Status as a young designer to watch. But this honour was certainly not the last of her ever-increasing media attention. Frequenting CNN and local television programme Mela, as well as having her pieces grace the pages of South Africa’s most loved magazines, EKTA has fast become an influential and recognisable brand.

Just a few months after the launch of Kalan’s first collection, her second collection, Spiritual Warrior emphasised solid lines and reiterated her love for bold colours, while all at the same time Kalan had similarly conquered the local fashion scene. With Spiritual Warrior, evidence of Kalan’s travels to Europe was brought to life in both aesthetic and emotion. Geometric lines and patterns formed the basis of the collection, finding inspiration in international architecture. 

Spiritual Warrior was the collection that saw Kalan cement herself as a respected local designer  after the collection showcase marked her first SAFW debut. She has since presented her third collection, and perhaps her most commercially appealing one, at SAWF’s AW18 shows. Not only did the latest collection show strength in design, styling and texture, but Kalan’s choice of colour palette proved to be right on trend, featuring blush, salmon pinks and natural greens to marry a visually pleasing aesthetic with forward thinking artistry.

As the word EKTA represents the concept of ‘we are one’ and unwavering unity, it is fitting that Kalan is able to create a beautiful marriage of all aspects of design so effortlessly. 

Visit www.ekta.co.za to browse the collections, and follow the EKTA journey on Instagram at @ekta_official and Facebook at @EKTAclothing.