Kristen Bell, Jessica Szohr and other Sir Alistair Rai fans, like Rihanna, Angelina Jolie and Jessica Alba just want us all to give peace a chance with this new politically-and-fashionably forward Gandi V-Neck
(Just recently, Kristen Bell was caught wearing it on the streets of NYC)
Born in England to a traditional Indian family and schooled in Switzerland and the United States, Kiran Rai has been influenced by many different cultures. As designer and creative director of the fashion and accessories brand, Sir Alistair Rai, Kiran creates pieces that are a reflection of her life experiences and cultural history.
After 10 years of working as a buyer in the fashion industry, Kiran was ready to create something of her own that would make a statement and potentially change the way people think. With that, Sir Alistair Rai was born. In 2006, Kiran created a line of t-shirts for her and her friends with kitschy slogans such as "Adopt Me Angelina" and a portrait T-shirt of Mahatma Gandhi. Once the Kitson buyers saw these t-shirts, Sir Alistair Rai launched at their Los Angeles location in February 2006 and was an instant success. Kiran's designs bring timeless messages of peace, promote global awareness, and introduce ancient Hindu/Sanskirt teachings into today's world.
For inspiration, Kiran frequently visits India where she is able to explore her own heritage. From the wisdom and beauty of her Raja line, featuring one of a kind art work to the wit and social commentary of her Junglee line, Sir Alistair Rai conjures the feeling of far-off Indian sectors.
In 2007, Sir Alistair Rai introduced original Hindu prayer scarves with personal messages of love, peace, hope, karma and kismet (fate) to their collection and they were an immediate hit. Drew Barrymore picked up a few of the scarves in a local Los Angeles boutique and raved about them in her interview with the London Times. Since then, numerous style icons and celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry and Jessica Alba have been routinely photographed wearing Kiran's designs, as they have become a closet staple. Kiran has further developed the scarf collection with designs of original Indian motifs and logos such as OM, paisleys and lotus.
In 2008, Kiran added ready-to-wear and accessories into the mix. Dresses, caftans, clutches and bangles were welcomed to rave reviews. Sir Alistair Rai anticipates further growth with the launch of shoes, hats and jewelry in early 2009.
While she's busy at work designing spectacular pieces, Kiran is devoted to making sure all of her manufacturing facilities guarantee fair labor practices. The whole collection is produced in India and Kiran personally visits each facility to ensure workers are being treated fairly and paid a living wage.
As a mother of a teenage boy, designer and owner of a popular fashion label, a world traveler, Kiran does it all. She continues to develop new aspects of fashion, keeping each collection unique and fresh. While Sir Alistair Rai continues to grow, Kiran's recognition and regard in the industry as a designer follows suit.
Sir Alistair Rai is sold in Nordstroms, Intermix, Henri Bendels, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, www.siralistairrai.com and over 500 specialty stores world wide.
(Just recently, Kristen Bell was caught wearing it on the streets of NYC)
Born in England to a traditional Indian family and schooled in Switzerland and the United States, Kiran Rai has been influenced by many different cultures. As designer and creative director of the fashion and accessories brand, Sir Alistair Rai, Kiran creates pieces that are a reflection of her life experiences and cultural history.
After 10 years of working as a buyer in the fashion industry, Kiran was ready to create something of her own that would make a statement and potentially change the way people think. With that, Sir Alistair Rai was born. In 2006, Kiran created a line of t-shirts for her and her friends with kitschy slogans such as "Adopt Me Angelina" and a portrait T-shirt of Mahatma Gandhi. Once the Kitson buyers saw these t-shirts, Sir Alistair Rai launched at their Los Angeles location in February 2006 and was an instant success. Kiran's designs bring timeless messages of peace, promote global awareness, and introduce ancient Hindu/Sanskirt teachings into today's world.
For inspiration, Kiran frequently visits India where she is able to explore her own heritage. From the wisdom and beauty of her Raja line, featuring one of a kind art work to the wit and social commentary of her Junglee line, Sir Alistair Rai conjures the feeling of far-off Indian sectors.
In 2007, Sir Alistair Rai introduced original Hindu prayer scarves with personal messages of love, peace, hope, karma and kismet (fate) to their collection and they were an immediate hit. Drew Barrymore picked up a few of the scarves in a local Los Angeles boutique and raved about them in her interview with the London Times. Since then, numerous style icons and celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry and Jessica Alba have been routinely photographed wearing Kiran's designs, as they have become a closet staple. Kiran has further developed the scarf collection with designs of original Indian motifs and logos such as OM, paisleys and lotus.
In 2008, Kiran added ready-to-wear and accessories into the mix. Dresses, caftans, clutches and bangles were welcomed to rave reviews. Sir Alistair Rai anticipates further growth with the launch of shoes, hats and jewelry in early 2009.
While she's busy at work designing spectacular pieces, Kiran is devoted to making sure all of her manufacturing facilities guarantee fair labor practices. The whole collection is produced in India and Kiran personally visits each facility to ensure workers are being treated fairly and paid a living wage.
As a mother of a teenage boy, designer and owner of a popular fashion label, a world traveler, Kiran does it all. She continues to develop new aspects of fashion, keeping each collection unique and fresh. While Sir Alistair Rai continues to grow, Kiran's recognition and regard in the industry as a designer follows suit.
Sir Alistair Rai is sold in Nordstroms, Intermix, Henri Bendels, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, www.siralistairrai.com and over 500 specialty stores world wide.
Beth Anderson is the Editor in Chief of Chic Galleria.com and Co-Owner of Chic Galleria Publications.
love the sir alistair rai collection. i just got this teeshirt at boutiquemix.com. love em!!