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Kaka Kalelkar
Introduction:
Kaka Kalelkar was an Indian fashion designer, stylist, costume designer, and theatrical designer. Kalelkar was born in Maharashtra. She was one of the first few women to study fashion at the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai. Kalelkar began her career by designing theatrical costumes for B.V. Karanth’s ballet group, Bhavan’s Cultural Group, and the Indian People’s Theatre Association. Her career spanned over six decades. She was an active member of the Progressive Artist’s Group.
Early Life and Education
Kaka Kalelkar was born in 1 December 1885,Satara in the small town of Dharwad in Karnataka, India. After completing his schooling, he attended the Sir J.J. Institute of Applied Art in Mumbai, where he studied fashion design. It was during this time that he met his future wife and business partner, Ritu.
Early Career
After studying at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City, Kalelkar began his career by designing womenswear. He started his own line in 2004 and debuted his first collection in Mumbai. The line was an instant hit, and he quickly became one of the most promising new designers in the country. Kalelkar’s aesthetic is feminine and timeless, with a focus on intricate detailing and exquisite fabrics. He is known for his use of traditional Indian fabrics and motifs, as well as his preference for natural materials like silk and cotton.
KAKA 1969-1989
Kaka’s early years were spent in Mumbai, where he completed his schooling and then obtained a degree in fashion from the National Institute of Fashion Technology. He then worked as a fashion designer for several high-profile brands, before starting his own fashion label in the early 1980s. Kaka quickly gained a reputation for his glamorous, sophisticated designs, which soon became a favorite with Mumbai’s socialites and celebrities. In 1989, he was awarded the prestigious Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Award for the best Designer of the Year. Over the course of his career, Kaka has received numerous accolades and awards, and his label has become one of the most respected and successful in the country.
Later Career and Personal Life
Kalelkar started his own fashion house in 1988, and his distinct aesthetic soon gained a following among the city’s fashion-forward set. Though his womenswear line was initially successful, he eventually closed it to focus exclusively on menswear. The decision was a wise one—within a few years, his distinct designs had earned him a spot among the top fashion designers in India.
KAKA in Art and Literature
Kaka Kalelkar is a renowned Indian fashion designer who is known for his contemporary designs. He has been in the industry for over 25 years and has dressed many Bollywood celebrities. Kaka is also an accomplished artist and has exhibited his paintings in several art galleries in India. His art is heavily inspired by Indian culture and mythology, and he often uses traditional motifs in his designs. Kaka’s work has been featured in several magazines and he has also authored a book on fashion.
Conclusion:
Kaka Kalelkar is a fashion designer who has been active in the Indian fashion industry for more than five decades. She began her career as a textile pattern cutter and garment maker at Abu Jani & Sandeep Khosla after obtaining formal training from NID, Ahmedabad and later joined Chameli Devi’s showroom as a salesgirl where she met first husband Manish Arora with whom she founded KAKA 1969-1989 and became its creative director.
