Timeless Appeal

Divya Lahoria of Kopé London is hoping to blend traditional craft with global trends in a sustainable and ethical fashion.

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Tell us about your design journey from India to the U.K.

DL: It has been pretty remarkable! After training as a textile designer at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, I worked in India for five years before moving to the U.K. to pursue a Master’s in Textiles, specializing in Embroidery, from Manchester School of Art. Being a part of this creative culture was an opportunity I didn’t want to miss. During the program, I visited London often for workshops, talks and placements. I think it was my affinity for this larger, multicultural setting that made me decide to move here, and enrich my being.

How did your brand ‘Kopé’ come about?

DL: Starting a business is always hard and even more when you're outside your homeland, and I procrastinated for a while. However, my love of textiles and the beautiful people here convinced me to take the plunge about two years ago. The brand and company is officially based out of London. I launched the brand online at first, with the financial support of my family. The launch at Selvedge spring fair in London followed later.

‘Kopé’ comes from the Greek word ‘Perikopé’, meaning a cutting from a sacred writing. Kopé’s collections encapsulate my values, esthetics and conversations with a global community of creators. It is not defined by an age group but by joy, confidence, style, and elegance. Through the brand I promote creativity and endorse sustainable fashion with ethical means of production.