THE DESIGNER AND THE BRAND
The journey of Saran Kohli Label began in 2009 with the vision of creating tailor made garments for men who ooze style and confidence and wear their apparel with pride. The inspiration behind the label and its collections are an ode to, the Founder and Creative Director of the brand, Saran Kohli’s shared British Indian heritage. The emphasis being on the use of traditional methods to create modern style and representation. Saran Kohli Label has always remained true to the design principles of traditional tailoring and craftsmanship, from the choices of high quality fabric, the cuts of each garment to the handmade embroidery. The brand is built on the values of remaining ethically made and supporting talented artisans around the world. Each garment is designed and made with the man of today in mind.
The entrepreneur and visionary behind the brand, Saran Kohli, began his journey by being headhunted by Michiko Koshino, Hugo Boss and Banana Republic for PR, Stylist and Sales roles soon after graduating from London College of Fashion with a B.A (hons) in Fashion Management. Saran won the Best Newcomer Award in Fashion Design at the prestigious International Asian Fashion Awards in 2011 as the designer’s expertise became apparent to many. Saran is also an acclaimed choreographer and performer. In February 2013, Saran was awarded the Outstanding Award for Concept and Choreography at the prestigious Broadway Dance Centre in New York City. Two years later he was commissioned to produce a dance piece at Europe’s biggest hip-hop theatre, Breakin’ Convention. He choreographed and performed a piece titled “Molecules of a Dream” at the world-renowned Sadler’s Wells Theatre.
Within a few years, Saran Kohli Label created one off couture pieces for a ray of international celebrities and influencers within the world of music, performance, and entertainment, such as,Sachin Tendulkar, JLS, Jay Sean, Ashley Walters (Top Boy), Lenny Henry, Juggy D, Mumzy Stranger, Ameet Chana and H Dhami amongst others. The growing interest and trust among clients allowed SKL to expand within London (UK) and globally in Delhi (India) and New York (USA). These cities are particularly special to Saran, as he was born in London, spent his childhood in Delhi (before returning back to London at the age of 11) and he further trained as a dancer in New York. It is the influences of these cities and the life experiences within them, Saran’s extensive global travels and his love for music and dance that have been injected into the Saran Kohli Label collections.
In 2016, Saran Kohli Label opened its first official outlet in South Woodford, London. The space offers a complete experience for SKL’s clients and works as a one-stop shop by showing the latest collection along with essential accessories by fellow creative designers to complete each look. The design consultations are held within this space, premium fabrics are sourced from France, Italy, Japan, India, and the UK and the production of each ensemble is always completed with the highest standards in tailoring either in-house in the UK or in production houses in India and Italy. As a stylist, Saran Kohli has also curated events for many established brands such as Duchamp and Aquascutum by meticulously selecting ensembles and delivering a unique shopping experiences for their target clients. He has also been featured with Topman, Levis, Chivas Regal and Porsche to name a few.
Saran Kohli Label has since been featured in GQ, Esquire and Asian Wealth Magazine. The list of international celebrities, influencers and bloggers wearing SKL and being styled by Saran himself has grown to include Sadiq Khan (Mayor of London), Sachin Tendulkar, Amandeep Singh (Aka Inkquistive), and Big Narstie amongst others with pieces being featured in New York Times, GQ UK, GQ France, GQ America and UK Esquire. SKL has now also branched out to designing uniforms for the hospitality industry; The Bloomsbury Hotel and St James Court (TAJ Hotel) in London being the most recent endeavor in collaboration with Bencivenga Alta Sartoria.
2020 will see Saran Kohli Label bring its online shop to the forefront, expand the experience of story-telling via each new design whilst continuing to uphold its heritage.
