Montreal-based designer trio creates exquisitely sexy clothes and most gorgeous swimwear out there.
How did your brand begin?
Dipika Gupta: After acquiring our post-secondary education in Fashion Design (Dipika - Head Designer), Business (Ravika - Assistant Designer), and Economics (Monika - Strategic Business Development for Kavi Kavi), us three sisters decided to start a fashion business – we always had a passion for clothes. As a brand, Kavi Kavi officially began in 2003 with its first spring-summer 2004 collection.
What does the name mean? Whose idea was it?
'Kavi Kavi' is derived from the middle names of the twin designers, Dipika Kavita Gupta and Ravika Kaveri Gupta. The double 'Kavi' simply represents the twins.
What colors, fabrics, and textures do you like
most?
Our designs are sleek, sexy and bold and that's why we like to use loud colors. We like to give our creations an edge by mixing different fabrics together and giving them a unique touch of something special, for example, gold and silver. For our spring-summer 2005 swimwear collection made of fine Italian stretch fabric we used bright colors such as orange, blue, green, etc and laced our bathing suits with gold trims to give them a high-end, sexy and sophisticated look. In our fall-winter 2004 collection, we mixed wool or stretch sateen fabrics with fur and added silver leather as trims and pockets. We also enjoy using delicate fabrics such as silk charmeuse and douce satin for evening dresses, skirts and pants.
How would you describe a person who wears your designs?
A person that wears Kavi Kavi is very fashion conscious and is looking for something unique that sets him or her apart from others. This person is sexy, secure, confident and sophisticated and is always looking for some excitement in their clothing.
Do you wear your designs? If so, what are your favourite pieces?
All three of us wear our own label, especially when we get ready for a fun night out or when we attend special events. We are very proud to sport our own creations, which help us express our unique styles and make a statement about who we are and what we stand for. Some of our favorite pieces include our silk charmeuse cocktail dresses, douce satin vest and pants, douce satin corset skirt and pants, Wool coats with fur and/or silver leather trims and pockets, and finally we enjoy all
Is designing difficult for you? If so, what drives you to go on?
Designing is something that comes very naturally to us so we do not find it difficult. We are full of ideas and find it very exciting to be creating something new every season. What may get a little difficult at times is the fact that we have too many ideas and need to narrow them down to only several pieces. As Geminis, we are twins too, so we are spontaneous and always in a need of change. Creating new lines gives us a chance to express ourselves in a new way each season.
How would you describe your artistic style?
We believe that we have a good sense of balance and proportion, and a great eye for detail. Detailing is very important to us.
What inspires you? What do you have in mind when you design?
Inspiration for us comes from fabrics, their colors and textures. Different fabrics from exotic countries can inspire a whole collection. I (Dipika) like to always invent something new from scratch and Ravika likes to reinvent from the past.
Who has been a greatest influence on your career?
Our greatest influence has always come from our mother. She was the first one to teach us anything about sewing and herself went to school for Design, which inspired Dipika to pursue a Fashion Design degree. Even now, our mother helps us in some crucial areas of production of Kavi Kavi lines, such as pattern making for our new designs.
What is your definition of beauty and elegance?
We believe that beauty can be in more then just a pretty face. It can be found in how someone carries him or her self, and the confidence and uniqueness a person displays. Elegance comes with gracefulness and the style one portrays.
Kavi Kavi in Canada:
Kükla
Les Cours Mont-Royal,
1455 rue Peel,
Montreal
(514) 845-3073
Photo: © Vlad Goryachev.
Kavi Kavi spring-summer 2005 collection at Bell Mobility Celebrity Gala.
Kavi Kavi 
