How LABBADA Is Redefining Luxury - Interview

Cover Image courtesy of Black PR

At a time when fashion is learning to slow down, LABBADA stands for considered design, handmade detail, and wearable elegance. Rooted in the belief that luxury should be lived in rather than saved for rare occasions, this new collection brings hand embroidery, beadwork, and artisanal finishing into everyday pieces. Moving away from fast fashion, the label follows slow fashion principles, working with high-quality fabrics, trans-seasonal palettes, and a pre-order model that prioritises longevity and reduces waste. Each garment is crafted in Mumbai in collaboration with skilled artisans, reflecting a deep commitment to ethical production and the preservation of traditional techniques.

At its core, LABBADA celebrates quiet elegance, individuality, and thoughtful design, an approach that positions the brand as an accessible luxury label for the modern, globally minded woman.

For twelve years, Charu has been quietly building LABBADA in the domestic market, developing a philosophy of luxury that whispers rather than shouts, that enhances rather than eclipses. In this conversation with STRAND, Charu shares insights into the philosophy, craftsmanship, and quiet confidence that define LABBADA.

How did you launch your brand?

I started my collection by outsourcing workmanship. For my embroidery, I worked with a factory that did embroidery production for the likes of Chanel and Valentino. I spent a significant amount of time there, observing and learning the craft. This experience helped me slowly build my collection whilst learning from the best. Then I presented to leading multi-designer stores in India, establishing a supply partnership with them. After twelve years of domestic operations, we have decided to expand globally. To support this transition, we are introducing a new brand story designed for international reach. Our updated direction focuses on a more streamlined and production-ready approach, yet still couture-informed.

What was your relationship with fashion growing up? And what were your biggest influences?

I had a very humble upbringing without much exposure to fashion. My dad has always been the most fine dressed man I have known in my life. Throughout my childhood and even into my teens, my dad selected all my outfits when we went shopping. His choices were consistently classic and elegant dresses, often being bold with a unique twist. This early influence influenced me to develop a taste for maintaining a classy yet distinct personal style, and his selections were a major part of shaping my aesthetic as I grew up.

How does being based in Mumbai impact your work and your creative process?

Mumbai is a top fashion hub and home to so many factories where the likes of Dior and other internationally famed couture houses source their embroidery production. This facilitates us to have the right source of very skilled embroiderers and workmanship. Creatively,, it's a delight working with people who already have a very multi-faceted work experience, starting from domestic traditional to more global western aesthetics.

In this latest collection, the idea of everyday sophistication and elegance seems to be central, why is this sort of accessibility to fashion important to you?

To answer this, I'll take permission to quote my 2 most favourite lines from YSL—

"Over the years, I have learned that what is important in a dress is the woman who is wearing it".

"The most beautiful makeup of a woman is passion. But cosmetics are easier to buy".

This message summarises the philosophy behind our aesthetics. We believe that overly prominent designs can overshadow the woman's unique personality. Our aim at LABBADA is to create clothing that lets her shine first as she enters the room and our outfits only complement her already radiant personality. This is why sophisticated silhouettes and elegant embroidery are the core values of LABBADA designs.

You integrate aspects of traditional Indian festive wear in terms of embroidery and cut, to create simple and wearable silhouettes, is the integration of culture foundational to your work?

I am not aware if I particularly make any effort to "integrate", but basically, I can only think in embroidery. For me, adding those touches of richness with intricate embroidery to a simple outfit is the only & all the joy I find in designing.

You have a strong ethos of environmental responsibility, how does this translate to your process and your designs?

We consider ourselves a conscious brand and strive to integrate sustainable practices into our process. We do not believe in killing animals for aesthetics, so we don't use any leather or fur, and we are committed to high-quality, long-lasting craftsmanship.

Our approach focuses on slow fashion and timeless aesthetics to ensure longevity. We utilise high-quality fabrics and a trans-seasonal colour palette to create pieces that remain relevant across seasons. Customers can pull out Labbada outfit years later and it will still be so relevant.

Ultimately, we are dedicated to mindful manufacturing and doing our part to promote a more internal sustainable infrastructure.

Does your personal style influence your work?

Not particularly, maybe some aspects, like definitely elegance is the key in it all.

Sometimes the brand influences me, sometimes vice-versa. And sometimes I am graced in the company of some very strong minded magnetic customers, and they become the influence for some collections.

Do you find that your primary audience is based in India? And is being an internationally renowned brand important to you?

Our primary audience was in India when Labbada was doing traditional style of work. With our international venture, I knew that to speak to an international audience, I needed to evolve, not just aesthetically, but operationally. This new phase has been about refinement, and building a brand that is both globally resonant and deeply personal.

Looking ahead, what's next for you and the brand?

Our vision is to make luxury more accessible through contemporary pricing. We hope to become a staple in every woman's wardrobe, offering pieces that make her feel truly special. We believe an exquisite hand-embroidered blouse brings a sense of uniqueness to any day that a standard expensive fabric cannot replicate. The personalization that comes with embroidery speaks that someone took the time to hand-place every bead and thread onto your garment. And we want to add that specialness to your everyday wardrobe.

Ultimately, LABBADA is less about statement-making and more about presence. This latest collection continues the brand's exploration of everyday luxury, where thoughtful craftsmanship elevates simple silhouettes.

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All Images Courtesy of Black PR

Edited by Arielle Sam-Alao, Co-Fashion Editor