KARDO: Where Traditional Indian Craftsmanship Meets Contemporary Menswear in Shahpur Jat, Delhi

Introduction

In the vibrant fashion ecosystem of Shahpur Jat, Delhi, where creativity thrives in every corner and artisanal excellence defines the neighborhood's character, KARDO stands as a beacon of sustainable luxury menswear. This bustling creative hub, renowned for its designer boutiques and fashion-forward establishments, provides the perfect backdrop for a brand that has revolutionized contemporary menswear by honoring India's rich textile heritage.

For discerning gentlemen who value authenticity, craftsmanship, and ethical fashion choices, KARDO emerges as the definitive destination in Shahpur Jat. The brand seamlessly bridges the gap between traditional Indian artisanal techniques and modern menswear aesthetics, making it an essential stop for style-conscious individuals exploring Delhi's most prestigious fashion district.

KARDO

Brand Name: KARDO
Address: Shahpur Jat, New Delhi (with workshop operations)
Secondary Location: F21 Sector 8, 1st & 2nd Floor, Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, UP 201301
Year of Establishment: 2013
Founder: Rikki Kher

KARDO was founded by Rikki Kher in 2013, a visionary designer with a fascinating multicultural background. Born and raised in London to Punjabi Indian parents, Kher's journey took him from New York (where he worked at Tommy Boy Records) to Milan, Cyprus, and finally to New Delhi in 2004. With over 30 years of experience in the textile and fashion industry, including textile production, garment manufacturing, and retail operations, Kher has spent nearly two decades in Delhi understanding Indian subcultures and building relationships with artisanal textile communities.

Unique Selling Proposition (USP)

KARDO's philosophy stands as "the antithesis of mass-produced fast-fashion," with a mission to slow down production and attend to the smallest details of menswear. The brand's distinctive USP lies in its ONExONE production methodology - each item is hand-cut, sewn, and finished by a single artisan from start to finish.

What truly sets KARDO apart is its commitment to transparency and ethical production. Every garment features a provenance tag that celebrates each person in their studio who contributed to cutting, stitching, and finishing the piece. This approach ensures that every piece maintains the quality of a first sample rather than being rushed through mass production.

Products/Services Offered

KARDO specializes in handcrafted contemporary menswear with the following key offerings:

• Premium Shirts: The brand's flagship products featuring distinctive designs and handloom fabrics
• Casual Wear: Including block-printed tracksuits and contemporary streetwear pieces
• Seasonal Collections: Traditional Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter collections in limited runs
• Collaborative Pieces: Special collections with brands like Anokhi and Safomasi

Signature Collections:

• Spring/Summer 2025: Fresh cuts, vibrant hues, and sustainable designs crafted for a bold, sun-filled season of style
• Handloom Heritage Collection: Featuring natural dyed fabrics and traditional techniques
• Contemporary Classics: Modern interpretations of traditional Indian menswear silhouettes

Style & Specialization

KARDO honors traditional weaving, dyeing, and printing techniques, using fabrics such as Natural Dyed Handloom, Block Printing, IKAT, Natural Indigo Denim, Shibori, and Chikankari embroidery. The brand's aesthetic can be described as Contemporary Indian Artisanal - featuring:

• Subtle modern twists on classic silhouettes
• Handwoven fabrics with natural dyeing processes
• Distinctive, slightly adventurous designs that maintain sophistication
• A perfect balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary appeal
• Relaxed, thoughtfully designed pieces with abundant detailing

KARDO maintains a very consistent idea of what carefully designed, detail-oriented, and fashionable menswear should be, without cornering themselves into a specific aesthetic, keeping the brand fresh and unpredictable.

Price Range

KARDO positions itself in the premium luxury segment of menswear. Pricing places KARDO in the expensive, premium bracket for shirts, justified by their strong differentiators in offbeat designs, high-quality handlooms, and handmade methodology. Starting prices typically range from ₹8,000 to ₹25,000 for shirts and casual wear, with special pieces and outerwear commanding higher prices.

Clientele & Notable Work

KARDO serves a sophisticated international clientele that values craftsmanship and sustainability:

• International Fashion Enthusiasts: Customers from Europe, North America, and Asia
• Conscious Fashion Consumers: Individuals seeking ethical and sustainable menswear alternatives
• Fashion Industry Professionals: Stylists, designers, and fashion influencers
• Indian Heritage Appreciators: Both NRIs and locals who value traditional craftsmanship

The brand is carried by prestigious retailers including MR PORTER and has stockists across India and internationally, including exclusive boutiques in London, New York, and other major fashion capitals.

Add-On Features

• Artisan Recognition: Each garment includes detailed information about the craftspeople involved
• Seasonal Styling Consultation: Expert advice on incorporating traditional pieces into contemporary wardrobes
• Custom Tailoring Services: Personalized fitting and alterations
• Cultural Heritage Education: Detailed explanations of traditional textile techniques used
• Sustainable Packaging: Eco-friendly packaging that reflects the brand's environmental consciousness
• International Shipping: Direct delivery to customers worldwide from Delhi

Store/Studio Ambience

KARDO's exclusive retail store in Shahpur Jat offers an authentic boutique experience with a relaxed vibe. The workshop and retail space embodies the brand's philosophy of slow fashion and artisanal excellence:

• Workshop Transparency: Customers can observe the handcrafting process
• Curated Display: Thoughtful presentation of pieces showcasing variety in designs, techniques, and color palettes
• Artisanal Aesthetic: Industrial-meets-traditional design reflecting the brand's heritage
• Interactive Experience: Direct engagement with founders and craftspeople
• Music and Culture: Carefully curated atmosphere that reflects the founder's diverse cultural background

Reviews (Rephrased)

Customer feedback consistently highlights KARDO's exceptional quality and unique design philosophy. Fashion enthusiasts appreciate the brand's commitment to transparency, with many noting the emotional connection created by knowing exactly who crafted their garment.

Customers frequently praise the superior fabric quality and the "real" feel of handloom textiles. The distinctive designs receive acclaim for striking the perfect balance between traditional Indian craftsmanship and contemporary style sensibilities. International customers particularly value the brand's authenticity and ethical production practices.

Fashion critics and industry professionals recognize KARDO's contribution to preserving traditional Indian textile techniques while making them relevant for modern consumers. The brand's slow fashion approach and limited production runs are consistently appreciated by those seeking exclusivity and quality over quantity.

Contact Information

Phone: +91 911203239732
Email: info@kardo.co
Workshop Address: Shahpur Jat, New Delhi
Business Address: F21 Sector 8, 1st & 2nd Floor, Noida, Gautam Buddh Nagar, UP 201301
Store Hours: By appointment and during fashion weeks

Social Media Presence

• Instagram: @thisiskardo - 72K followers showcasing their philosophy of "Crafting stories of Indian and South Asian artisanal textiles, all made slowly in our own workshop since 2013"
• Facebook: KARDO - 2,741 likes with regular updates about handcrafted contemporary clothing
• Website: kardo.co

FAQs

Q: How long does it take to receive a custom KARDO piece?
A: Due to our ONExONE methodology where each piece is crafted by a single artisan, custom orders typically take 4-6 weeks. This ensures the highest quality and attention to detail.

Q: Can I visit the workshop in Shahpur Jat?
A: Yes, workshop visits can be arranged by appointment. This provides an excellent opportunity to understand our production process and meet the artisans who craft each piece.

Q: What makes KARDO different from other premium menswear brands?
A: Our unique combination of traditional Indian textile techniques, transparent production process, and the ONExONE methodology sets us apart. Each garment tells a story of the artisans who created it.

Q: Do you offer international shipping?
A: Yes, we ship worldwide directly from our Delhi workshop. International customers can contact us via email or Instagram for shipping details and customs information.

Q: Are KARDO pieces suitable for formal occasions?
A: While our aesthetic leans toward contemporary casual wear, many pieces can be styled for semi-formal occasions. Our team can provide styling advice based on specific requirements.