Ethos

AT THE FOREFRONT OF RESPONSIBLE FASHION

Cikana (pronounced si ka: na) is an eco-friendly, socially responsible brand with a vision for fashion, passion and compassion. We want the fashion connoisseur to look good and feel good while helping our amazingly talented artisans behind the scenes.

You are looking at works of art, created by PRABHA BASHYAM, an artist living in San Francisco. Art work is then Hand-painted by Kalamkari artists in India onto Cashmere in Kashmir (India). The Cashmere is hand spun by women on traditional, wooden looms passed down over hundreds of years across many generations of artisans.


It gives us immense pleasure to bring back traditional, lost forms of art back to the forefront where everyone can experience the magic of Kalamkari on pure cashmere. Add contemporary art on it using organic colors and you have a unique, one-of-a-kind product in your hands. UNIQUELY YOURS!


The Pashmina or Cashmere fiber was collected from Changthani goats that are reared in the Himalayas in Ladakh and Kashmir. The purest forms of these goats reside in the mountain ranges of Ladakh a province in the North Eastern tip of India and are reared by a tribe of nomads- the Changpa. Through meticulous breeding of the goats, they have preserved the pedigree of their livestock which as a result yield only 8-10 tons per year of the longest and purest cashmere fibers found anywhere on the planet. These precious fibers are collected by combing at the time of the natural process of molting.


The natural fibers are treated with great care by the weavers in Kashmir. Fibers are hand spun into exquisite pashminas on traditional looms using traditional techniques that have been handed down for generations.


At Cikana, we especially support our women weavers who support their families, educate their children and are empowered to earn a living. As much as we all love a good fashion-steal, it’s time we started paying attention to where thepieces we wear come from, and to be a bit more mindful about the companies we choose to shop from and support.

CIKANA FOUNDERS’ PHILOSOPHY

Fashion is Art, the art of self-expression. Self expression through colors, fabrics, cuts and anything that brings imaginations to life and becomes a part of your personality.


In today’s times, Fashion is about individualism, it’s about YOU and your canvas. Every individual has the freedom to create their own style statement without adhering to short-lived seasonal trends, and create styles that last forever. We believe in “fashion forever”.