An interview with Priyanka Kankaria, Co-Founder & Chief Product Officer of Fashor
In this interview, Priyanka Kankaria, Co-Founder and Chief Product Officer of Fashor, shares her insights on the brand’s mission to redefine accessible fashion for the modern Indian woman.
With a focus on inclusivity, affordability, and style, Fashor is reshaping the fashion landscape to meet the needs of today’s women.
What motivated you to transition from your initial brand, Envy Me, to co-founding Fashor, and how did that experience shape your vision for the new brand?
Priyanka Kankaria: Transitioning from Envy Me to co-founding Fashor was a natural evolution for me, driven by my desire to make high-quality fashion accessible to a broader audience.
At Envy Me, I learned a great deal about the preferences and needs of fashion-conscious women, especially in Chennai, where I engaged directly with over 15,000 customers.
This hands-on experience revealed the gap in the market for affordable, stylish ethnic wear that resonates with modern Indian women.
Fashor was born from the idea of blending contemporary aesthetics with traditional craftsmanship, allowing me to create designs that celebrate our culture while being relevant in today’s fashion landscape.
My vision for Fashor is to empower women to embrace their individuality without compromising on quality or style.
As the Chief Product Officer, how do you ensure that Fashor’s designs resonate with the diverse preferences of Indian women while maintaining a unique brand identity?
Priyanka Kankaria: To ensure that Fashor’s designs resonate with the diverse preferences of Indian women, I invest time in understanding the evolving fashion landscape and the unique needs of our customers.
I actively seek feedback from our community and keep a close eye on emerging trends both locally and internationally. Maintaining a unique brand identity involves balancing these preferences with our core values—celebrating cultural heritage and craftsmanship while being innovative.
Each collection is designed to reflect a blend of traditional elements and contemporary styles, ensuring that we cater to a wide range of tastes without losing our essence.
I believe that our commitment to quality and affordability, combined with a strong design ethos, sets Fashor apart in the competitive fashion market.
Can you elaborate on your design philosophy and how it influences the development of Fashor’s collections?
Priyanka Kankaria: My design philosophy is rooted in the idea of celebrating individuality through fashion while honoring our rich cultural heritage.
I strive to create pieces that resonate with the modern Indian woman, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes.
This philosophy influences every aspect of Fashor’s collections—from the initial sketches to the final product.
I focus on incorporating intricate hand embroideries, embellishments, and detailed craftsmanship to ensure that each piece not only looks beautiful but also tells a story.
I want our customers to feel a connection to our designs, reflecting their personalities and aspirations. By staying true to this philosophy, I aim to deliver collections that empower women to express themselves confidently and stylishly.
Fashor is known for launching over 200 new styles each month. What processes or strategies do you have in place to maintain this level of creativity and innovation?
Priyanka Kankaria: Maintaining such a high level of creativity and innovation requires a well-organized and collaborative approach within our team. We have established a streamlined design process that allows for quick ideation and execution.
I encourage open communication and brainstorming sessions, where all team members can contribute their ideas. We also have a dedicated team that constantly researches trends, fabrics, and techniques to keep our designs fresh and relevant.
By launching over 200 new styles each month, we can cater to a variety of tastes and occasions, ensuring that our customers always have something new to explore.
This relentless focus on innovation is essential in keeping Fashor at the forefront of the fashion industry.
How do you balance traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends in your designs, and why do you believe this blend is important for Fashor?
Priyanka Kankaria: Balancing traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fashion trends is at the heart of Fashor’s identity. I believe this blend is crucial because it honors our cultural roots while also appealing to the modern consumer.
I collaborate closely with skilled artisans who bring their traditional techniques and expertise to our designs. At the same time, I stay attuned to global fashion trends, allowing me to create pieces that feel fresh and relevant.
This approach not only supports the preservation of traditional craftsmanship but also enhances our brand’s uniqueness in a crowded market.
I am passionate about creating designs that resonate with women from all walks of life, enabling them to embrace their heritage while staying stylish and contemporary.
In your opinion, what are the key factors that contribute to building a loyal customer base in the competitive fashion industry?
Priyanka Kankaria: Building a loyal customer base requires a multi-faceted approach. Firstly, delivering high-quality products that exceed customer expectations is essential. When women know they can trust us for quality and style, they are more likely to return.
Secondly, fostering a strong emotional connection with our customers through effective storytelling and engagement is crucial. We want our customers to feel part of the Fashor family, and we achieve this by actively engaging with them on social media and involving them in our campaigns.
Lastly, offering exceptional customer service and a seamless shopping experience—both online and offline—plays a vital role in retaining customers.
We prioritize customer feedback and continuously improve our offerings based on their needs, ensuring they feel valued and appreciated.
What role does collaboration with your husband, Vikram, play in the success of Fashor, and how do your individual strengths complement each other in the business?
Priyanka Kankaria: Collaboration with Vikram has been instrumental in the success of Fashor. His strategic and financial acumen complements my creative vision perfectly.
While I focus on product development and design, Vikram oversees the business strategy, financial planning, and operational aspects of the brand. This division of responsibilities allows us to leverage our strengths effectively.
Our shared passion for making fashion accessible and our understanding of each other’s work styles contribute to a harmonious partnership.
Together, we make informed decisions that drive Fashor’s growth while maintaining a strong focus on our mission. This synergy has proven to be a winning formula for uilding a brand that resonates with our customers.
Looking to the future, what are your aspirations for Fashor, particularly regarding expansion and continuing to make fashion accessible to a broader audience?
Priyanka Kankaria: My aspirations for Fashor are ambitious yet grounded in our core mission. In the coming years, I envision expanding our footprint across India and internationally by opening over 100 exclusive brand outlets.
I want to ensure that women everywhere have access to our designs and can experience the quality and craftsmanship we pride ourselves on.
Additionally, I aim to enhance our online presence and explore partnerships with leading e-commerce platforms to reach a wider audience.
Through these efforts, my goal is to empower women to embrace their individuality and express themselves through fashion, making it accessible for all.
Ultimately, I want Fashor to be synonymous with affordable luxury, where every woman can find styles that resonate with her personality and heritage.
Priyanka Kankaria’s vision for Fashor underscores the importance of empowering women through fashion that’s both accessible and trendy. Her work continues to inspire a more inclusive and diverse fashion industry for Indian women.
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