We are thrilled to introduce you to Bambi Kevichüsa, a fashion designer from Nagaland who has captured our admiration with her impressive bridal couture label, “Bambi K Bridal”, and popular concept store, “Windfall.”
Bambi’s success in the fashion industry can be attributed to her unwavering dedication and relentless work ethic. She firmly believes that hard work is irreplaceable, which is evident in her ability to juggle multiple stores and her plans to launch another one. As Bambi puts it, “There is no substitute for hard work,” and this has been the driving force behind her success. She credits her Naga roots for instilling in her the values of staying humble, working with integrity and fairness, and doing her job quietly. “These are some of the things that I try to live by,” she says. Bambi’s story is an inspiration to many aspiring designers and entrepreneurs who share her passion and dedication to their craft.
In this interview, R&L chats with Bambi Kevichüsa to learn more about her work, her creative process, and how her Naga roots have influenced her working style. Join us as we delve into the world of fashion with Bambi Kevichüsa.
Bambi Kevichüsa, Nagaland- based Fashion Designer, and founder of ‘Bambi K Bridal‘, and ‘Windfall‘.
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R&L: Hi Bambi, we’re delighted to have you with us today. Could you please introduce yourself and tell us a little bit about your background?
Bambi: Hello! I am Bambi Kevichüsa, and I am a Fashion Designer based in Dimapur, Nagaland at the moment. I have been a designer for many years now but embraced it as a real serious profession and a true calling only about 7 years ago.
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R&L: We’re intrigued by your work and would love to hear more about your journey so far. Could you take us through some of the key moments and experiences that have brought you to where you are today?
Bambi: After completing a tailoring course in Mumbai, I went on to do a Diploma in Clothing Industry Studies at the Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT University) in Australia. I came back home and started making Bridal gowns, as designing Bridal wear is my passion and I believe, I’m good at it. I, therefore, have a Bridal wear label, ‘Bambi K’ and I am also in the process of developing our prét a porter (ready to wear) under the label PRET by Bambi K. This is a more affordable line, quick fashion. And along with that, I also run a small store called ‘Windfall’ which started 5 years ago.
Naga bride in a wedding gown designed by Bambi Kevichüsa.
Naga bride in a bridal gown designed by Bambi Kevichüsa, Nagaland
Check out this lovely view of Bambi Kevichüsa’s concept store, “Windfall,” located in Dimapur, Nagaland. The store’s look is a reflection of Bambi’s creative aesthetic.
Bambi’s concept store “Windfall” in Dimapur, Nagaland
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R&L: You’ve achieved a lot of success with your bridal collection, “Bambi K Bridal,” and your concept store, “Windfall.” Could you tell us a bit more about these two ventures and how they came to be?
Bambi: I’m a bridal wear designer and it’s my specialty.
“I absolutely love what I do, although I do refer to it as “Pain and Pleasure” since constructing bridal garments can be incredibly painstaking work. However, the end result is always so gratifying and rewarding, as we get to create clothes that are truly beautiful.”
Stunning custom-made bridal gown designed by Bambi Kevichüsa. The asymmetrical back and train of this gown make it a true work of art.
Bridal gown designed by Bambi Kevichüsa, Nagaland
Regarding “Windfall,” it’s a charming little concept store where we sell all things nice and pretty, including home decor and clothing. We have a carefully curated selection of items that reflect my personal aesthetic and love of design.
A stunning floral print ceramic English tea set from Bambi’s “Windfall” collection.
Ceramic English tea set from Bambi’s “Windfall” Nagaland
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R&L: That sounds like a lot to juggle! How do you manage to balance running both ventures?
Bambi: Although Windfall and Bambi K Bridal are both a part of my business, they are also quite distinct. Bambi K Bridal is primarily production-based, where I design and create made-to-measure couture wedding gowns. Windfall, on the other hand, is a retail store where I curate and sell a variety of products, which often requires a lot of outsourcing and selling on my part. It’s certainly not easy, but I do my best to make it work! I have become a bit of a juggler.
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R&L: We’re curious, how do you think your roots and upbringing have influenced your creative aesthetics and work ethic?
Bambi: As a designer, my Naga roots have definitely influenced my work, particularly in the way I incorporate Naga fabric and motifs into my designs.
“It’s interesting because as Nagas, our identity has been shaped by a blend of our Naga heritage, colonial past, American Baptist Christian influences, and globalization. So while I draw a lot of my design sensibilities from my Naga heritage, my work also reflects Western influences in design and art that are part of who I am.”
In terms of work ethics, I believe in the inherent Naga traits of doing your job quietly, staying humble, and working with integrity and fairness. These values have unfortunately gotten blurred in our society today, but I strive to uphold them in my work and daily life.
A radiant bride beaming with joy on her big day, adorned in a stunning wedding gown designed by Bambi K.
Bridal gown designed by Bambi Kevichüsa, Nagaland
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R&L: Thank you Bambi for sharing your story with us. Can you give us a sneak peek into what projects or plans you have in store for the future?
Bambi: I am currently focused on expanding our ready-to-wear line, making Bambi K clothing more accessible to those who want to wear or own them. I have many other dreams and plans as a perpetual dreamer, and I hope that with time and hard work, they will come to fruition. I strongly believe that dreaming and hard work must go hand in hand to achieve success.
Bambi K Designs’ Pret-a-Porter (ready-to-wear) collection
Design by Bambi K’
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R&L: What do you hope people take away from your creations?
Bambi: When people see my clothes, I want them to see beauty. I also hope to convey a sense of luxury every time someone wears a garment with the Bambi K label. Most important of all, I want them to feel confident and comfortable in my creations, and to look their best.
Bambi K’s garment on display at the Horniman Museum in London.
Horniman Museum in London.
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R&L: Finally, do you have any message for your fans or aspiring designers, or entrepreneurs?
Bambi: To “not despise small beginnings”, to always try and stay positive, and to never give up on your dreams.
And with that, we wish Bambi all the best in her future endeavors. Follow her on Instagram to know more about her and her work!
Bambi with her adorable son
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