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ASIAN GIANT MANI KOHLI, FOUNDER, KHUBSOORAT COLLECTION
of every location that I visited. I was like a sponge, and my exposure to various locations heavily influenced my creative aspirations. At the age of 11 I was making my own trousers and skirts. I was so inspired by what I created that I wanted to be seen in it.” During Mani’s younger days, digital distraction was non-existent so she would sit at home watching and learning about sowing and embroidering from her mother and aunts.
EVOLUTION OF FASHION FOR THE BRITISH ASIAN WOMEN When Mani came to the UK, she saw many South Asian women wear oversized coats over homemade shalwar kameez, with dupattas (stoles) for scarves. “I didn’t see them wearing what I had seen in India.” She realised that women in the UK needed a fashion-infusion that didn’t explicitly single them out as belonging to a migrant society. She says, “I took the initiative to set the trend not only for the Asian community, but also for the wider community. While fashion, in general, may have become westernised, I believe that when a woman walks into a room
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with a well draped sari, she can make heads turn.”
NEXT GENERATION OF FASHION DESIGNERS Mani believes that a successful business must invest in relationships with customers and the people it works with. She further adds that it is important to have a thorough understanding of the nature of the business and its environment in order to sustain it through evolving times. Now catering to the fourth generation, Mani says that it has been possible to do so because she is able to connect with and understand different generations of customers.
SECRET BEHIND HER SUCCESS With over 36 years of experience in business and fashion, Mani Kohli has been through the ups and downs of running a business. When she decided to part with her then husband, her son was only just born. During the 80s divorce was frowned upon in the South Asian community. She says,”It was a tough call but my parents looked after my children
whenever I had to travel on business.” She was determined to create a secure future for her children and ensure that they did not miss out on their prime years. Her success, she feels, is a result of her dedication, passion and discipline. She says, “Ever since I started my business I have worked seven days a week and 365 days a year. I have now decided to downsize and live a part of my life doing other things.” Looking back at her 36 years in retail business, Mani says, “I don’t think I have missed out on much. At the same time, you can’t become successful without making sacrifices.”
SUSTAINABLE FASHION Says Mani, “I have customers who bring in goods which they brought from me several years ago. I re-design it for them to wear again. So, sustainability in the fashion business is possible.” According to her, “We have to stop living the extravagant lifestyle that we do. Not all clothing should be disposed off. Clothes can be redesigned and reused which I believe modern society is failing to do.”