Our Story

Kōra is an unapologetic expression of colour, form, and individuality, where art finds movement and personal style becomes a language of its own.

Born from a deep appreciation for artistic expression and the beauty of thoughtful design, Kōra was founded with a singular vision: to create distinctive pieces that transcend seasons, celebrate individuality, and invite the wearer to embrace fashion as an extension of themselves.

At the heart of Kōra lies a fascination with the relationship between art and fabric. Each collection begins with an artistic exploration of colour, composition, and form, translated into original prints that define the label's unique identity. Every print tells a story, every silhouette carries intention, and every creation reflects a commitment to making something truly distinctive.

Rather than following fleeting trends, Kōra embraces the freedom of timeless design. Our signature kimonos and kaftans bring together expressive prints, carefully considered fabrics, and fluid silhouettes, creating pieces that feel as effortless as they are individual.

Designed to move naturally between moments, places, and occasions, Kōra celebrates versatility without compromising character. From quiet everyday rituals to journeys across the world, each garment becomes part of the wearer's own story, evolving through the experiences and memories collected along the way.

Kōra is for those who appreciate the unexpected, find beauty in artistic expression, and believe that dressing is an opportunity to express who they are.

More than a garment, each Kōra creation is a piece of wearable art, brought to life by the individuality of the person who wears it.

The Essence Behind Kōra

Sangita Rao

Founder & Principal Designer

With a creative career spanning nearly four decades, Sangita Rao is the founder and artistic vision behind Kōra. An accomplished textile and fashion designer, her work reflects a lifelong dedication to artistic expression, craftsmanship, and the exploration of colour and form.

A graduate of the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in 1987 and NIFT Mumbai in 1993, Sangita's professional journey has taken her through textile design at Madhur Textile Company, art education, and working alongside celebrated fashion designer Manish Malhotra. These experiences have shaped her distinctive creative perspective, bringing together the discipline of traditional design with the freedom of artistic experimentation.

For Sangita, fabric has always been more than a material; it is a canvas for imagination. Her approach to design is instinctive yet considered, guided by an appreciation for expressive colour palettes, intricate compositions, and the emotional connection between art and the individual.

As the principal designer of Kōra, Sangita personally creates the original prints and develops the artistic concepts that form the foundation of each collection. Every design begins with her creative vision, evolving through a thoughtful exploration of patterns, colour relationships, and composition before being translated into wearable pieces.

Her signature aesthetic is bold yet refined, expressive yet timeless. Rather than conforming to conventional design boundaries, she seeks to create garments with a distinct artistic identity, allowing each piece to stand apart while remaining effortlessly wearable.

Through Kōra, Sangita brings decades of creative experience into a contemporary fashion label rooted in the UAE's diverse cultural landscape. Her vision is to establish a globally recognised brand that celebrates originality, artistic freedom, and the enduring beauty of individual expression.

For Sangita, the greatest expression of art is seeing her creations come to life through the people who wear them.

Shivangi Gandhi

Brand Management & Development

With over a decade of experience across fashion design, styling, creative direction, and brand development, Shivangi Gandhi brings a thoughtful balance of creative understanding and practical expertise to Kōra.

A graduate of ESMOD in Fashion Design and Pattern Making, Shivangi has built a career spanning the worlds of fashion and film, developing a comprehensive understanding of garment construction, design execution, visual storytelling, and the processes that transform creative concepts into finished collections.

At Kōra, Shivangi plays an integral role in managing the brand's development and day-to-day creative operations. Working closely with founder Sangita Rao, she oversees the progression of each collection from its original artistic concept through garment development, stitching, production coordination, and final execution.

Her involvement extends into the finer details of the garment-making process, from understanding how fabrics interact with different silhouettes to coordinating stitching, construction, fit, and finishing. This attention to detail helps ensure that Sangita's original designs are faithfully translated into garments that reflect the artistic identity and quality standards of Kōra.

Beyond product development, Shivangi contributes to the brand's positioning, visual identity, creative communication, and overall development, helping build a cohesive experience across its collections and customer touchpoints.

With an appreciation for both creativity and craftsmanship, she brings structure and continuity to the design journey, connecting the artistic vision behind each piece with the practical considerations of creating a beautifully finished garment.

Her approach reflects a belief that exceptional design is not defined by appearance alone, but also by the thought, care, and precision invested in bringing it to life.

Through her work, Shivangi helps shape the Kōra experience, ensuring that the artistic vision behind every collection is carried through with consistency, intention, and attention to detail.

What We Believe

At Kōra, we believe fashion is an art form, a personal expression that extends beyond the conventions of dressing.

Our philosophy is rooted in the idea that clothing should never define the individual. Instead, it should offer the freedom to express personality, embrace individuality, and discover beauty through one's own interpretation of style.

Art is the starting point of everything we create. From the first exploration of colour and composition to the development of an original print, every collection is guided by an artistic vision that values creativity over convention.

We believe in the power of distinctive design. In prints that speak without words, silhouettes that move effortlessly with the body, and garments that possess a character of their own while leaving room for personal interpretation.

Our kimonos and kaftans are conceived as signature pieces, bringing together expressive artistry and thoughtful construction. Fluid forms, considered proportions, and carefully selected fabrics allow each creation to balance visual impact with comfort, movement, and versatility.

We also believe that true style exists beyond seasons and passing trends. A meaningful garment is one that continues to find relevance in different moments of life, becoming familiar yet never ordinary.

Above all, Kōra celebrates the relationship between the creator, the creation, and the individual who chooses to wear it.

A print may begin as an artistic expression, and a garment may be shaped through thoughtful design, but its story is never complete until it becomes part of someone's life.

For Kōra, the art is complete when someone lives in it.