Interview with Savita Kaye

It’s a grey Friday afternoon and I’m sitting in the Pine bar in the Millennium Hotel in Mayfair, the host of the September 2016 fashion show, about to interview Savita Kaye.
I was introduced to Savita last year when I volunteered at her September House Of Ikons show. Savita set up House of iKons to give up and coming designers a platform to showcase their work. 
“Whilst working at London fashion week, I would ask designers why they were here. Their answers were always the same, they wanted to be noticed. I realised that these designers were putting so much money and time into this opportunity and they might not even get the attention they’re looking for. That’s when I realised there’s something that could be done here.” Hence House of iKons was born.
But House of Ikons is no longer just for designers. 
“House of iKons is a platform for everybody now, from the hair stylists, to the photographers. Even our presenters.”
The models are also up and coming. Savita is regularly contacted by modelling agencies who want their models to gain the valuable runway experience that House Of iKons provides. However some models have been with Savita since her first show in 2013.
With huge numbers of designers wanting a place at the shows, what do you have to do to grab Savita’s attention?
“I’m always looking for something different” she says. “Something unique. Every single one of my shows are different and the designers are all from different parts of the world.”
Despite the large amount of designers Savita is introduced to over the years, she still makes it a priority to keep in touch with them.
“We’ve developed friendships and become a family, so I’m always in touch with them all.”
With an A level in art and so much of her time spent working closely with designers. I wondered if Savita had ever been inspired to design a collection of her own.
“I would love to, but I can’t sketch to save my life. I can do a good oil painting though!” She laughs.“They’re the creatives and I’m in awe of all my designers, they’re passion to move forward and do something different inspires me. The way they design, create and put things together is an inspiration in itself. I’m their biggest fan.” She says proudly.
With so much to do, just how long does it take to put a fashion show together?
“I like to take a year to plan, so even though we’ve got February happening now. I’ve been planning this September since last September.”
With all of her experience and knowledge, you’d think Savita had always worked in the fashion industry, but that’s not the case.
“I used to work in corporate banking. I was then approached by a magazine to write about fashion and current affairs, I’d always loved writing and bringing words to life, so I said yes. From there I started working at London Fashion Week and that’s where the idea for House of iKons came from.”
It’s obvious Savita has it all under control, but when you’re becoming an inspiration in your own right, who do you look to for inspiration?
“It would have to be Coco Chanel herself, every one of her pieces are still in trend. I’m also a very big fan of Victoria Beckham. She’s a mum as well as a great business woman and her collection is going from strength to strength at the moment.
Even with the stress of putting on a fashion show, Savita still finds time to promote causes close to her heart. Already an ambassador for the Prince’s trust, last December saw Savita appointed as the spokesperson for the The Sharan project. A charity that deals with domestic violence and violence against women. Having experienced domestic violence in the past, Savita understands the importance of being a voice to other women who are going through or have gone through the same thing.
“If I could help one woman before I die in terms of protecting herself from domestic abuse or domestic violence, I will feel that there was a reason behind the experience that I went through.”

With the February show just 15 days away, upcoming fashion events in Beijing and Los Angeles and presenting as a key note speaker in March for The Sharan Project, it’s clear to see there’s no stopping Savita Kaye.