Malvika Poddar on Carma India's Foray Into Hyderabad
Malvika Poddar, Co-founder of Carma India, shares insights on the luxury multi-designer store’s expansion into Hyderabad and its vision for shaping India's fashion narrative. Excerpts from an exclusive interview with her.
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What’s the reason for Carma's expansion into Hyderabad, and how do you see the city’s fashion landscape evolving?
Carma’s expansion into Hyderabad reflects the city’s growing appetite for luxury fashion and its emergence as a hub for couture enthusiasts. Hyderabad's rich cultural heritage blends seamlessly with modern aesthetics, fostering a dynamic fashion landscape. With increasing demand for designer wear and high-end brands, the city is poised to become a significant player in the Indian fashion industry. Carma aims to tap into this evolving market by catering to the discerning tastes of Hyderabad’s clientele.
Carma has been a platform for both established and emerging designers. How do you curate your designer lineup, and what sets Carma apart from other multi-designer stores?
Carma carefully curates its designer lineup by blending established names with emerging talents, ensuring a diverse yet cohesive collection that appeals to varied tastes. The selection process focuses on craftsmanship, innovation, and alignment with Carma’s luxury ethos. What sets Carma apart is its commitment to showcasing unique, high-quality designs and creating a personalized shopping experience that celebrates individuality and exclusivity.
Can you walk us through Hyderabad’s design and layout, and what personalized services can customers expect?
Hyderabad’s Carma store boasts an elegant layout with curated sections for bridal wear, occasion outfits, and contemporary designs, reflecting luxury and sophistication. Customers can expect personalized styling sessions, bespoke tailoring, and exclusive access to the latest designer collections for a tailored shopping experience.
How does Carma balance traditional Indian couture with contemporary fashion trends, and what role do you see the store playing in shaping India's fashion narrative?
Carma seamlessly blends traditional Indian couture with contemporary fashion by showcasing designers who innovate while respecting heritage. The store highlights timeless craftsmanship alongside modern aesthetics, catering to diverse fashion sensibilities. By promoting emerging talent and iconic names, Carma plays a pivotal role in shaping India’s fashion narrative as a global powerhouse of luxury and design.
What advice would you give to young designers looking to break into the industry, and how can they collaborate with Carma?
Young designers should focus on honing their craft, embracing innovation, and staying true to their unique vision. To collaborate with Carma, they can reach out with a well-curated portfolio that reflects quality, creativity, and alignment with Carma's luxury and design ethos.
What’s next for Carma India, and are there plans for further expansion or innovation in the pipeline?
Yes, we have a comprehensive five-year expansion plan in place, which will be revealed step by step as the right time comes to disclose each phase.