Kalita began as a resortwear label, launched in London in 2016. The founder, Kalita Al Swaidi, was first inspired by a woman she saw on the beach on holiday. The woman was wearing a t-shirt on her head as a turban and a skirt as a dress and her carefree yet glamorous style influenced Al Swaidi to replicate this laid-back aesthetic. With this, Kalita emerged as a sustainable womenswear brand, focusing on creating lasting pieces in the most ethical and environmentally conscious manner.
Although the roots of Kalita are in resortwear, the label now also caters for evening and occasion dressing. Their style is clear throughout all collections- free-spirited and elegant. Each design is made to be worn again and again, so a strong versatility is worked into each piece, meaning that dresses could take you from the beach to the bar or from a meal to a party. High quality, well-constructed garments in rich fabrics create flowing and feminine silhouettes, while bright colours add a vibrancy which the brand looks to promote. Kalita creates holiday essentials which will be worn year on year, such as textured cotton maxi dresses and light wrap dress cover-ups. Evening wear from the brand follows the same fluid silhouettes, seen in silk slip dresses and jewel-toned gowns. Simple shapes and block colours are timeless yet striking, and Kalita pieces offer easy elegance for any occasion.
Kalita designs can be found online, through the brand’s online store, and through Matches Fashion, Net-a-Porter and My Theresa.