How it all started

Our Story

The Asian Indian population in the United States, currently numbering around 20 million, is one of the fastest-growing ethnic groups. Moreover, approximately 17 million Americans identify as part Asian, with the Indian diaspora extending to Indo-Guyanese and Indo-Trinidadians. If you’re unfamiliar with the market for Indian clothing, it’s remarkably vast. An average Indian wedding necessitates at least 3 or 4 attire changes, even for guests. When you factor in holidays, bridal/baby showers, festivals, and other cultural observances, the demand for a diverse wardrobe skyrockets. This can result in significant spending, loss of closet space, and a struggle to find unique clothing items that won’t be replicated by acquaintances.

Brides, bridesmaids, family members, and friends often eagerly anticipate selecting outfits for weddings or special events, but they frequently encounter obstacles when browsing online. Current websites often lack the ability to convey the quality, texture, and comfort of garments accurately. Consequently, families may opt to travel to India to procure clothing, which can offer greater variety and the latest styles but is time-consuming and impractical for many. Furthermore, not everyone has the privilege of traveling abroad to find the perfect ensemble for a significant occasion.

As someone who lacks the opportunity to regularly or ever travel to India for the latest fashion trends, I find myself compelled to splurge excessively at local stores with limited selections. These stores tend to be concentrated in states with large Indian populations such as NJ, NY, CA, and IL. Since moving to NC, I’ve struggled to find diverse options. Consequently, I often find myself recycling or borrowing the same sarees and outfits for various events. While I attempt to share my clothing with friends and family facing similar challenges, we’re all constrained by issues like sizing, personal taste, and availability.

One summer, while attending a wedding and admiring the stunning outfits around me, I conceived an idea to declutter my closet and create space for new items by selling sarees online to individuals facing similar dilemmas. A survey within Indian families would likely unveil overflowing closets and storage bags filled with unused clothing for all genders and age groups, simply gathering dust. Currently, there’s no established market widely known for renting or selling this wealth of clothing. Establishing such an online platform would undoubtedly expand the circle of selections beyond just my immediate acquaintances.

Consider the significant environmental impact this initiative could have, as it enables us to reduce our carbon footprint and minimize waste. Additionally, for outfits that are retired due to changing styles, this project could initiate a donation program to benefit those who cannot afford access to such offerings. This concept could easily be extended to encompass numerous other ethnicities and cultures.

As a first-generation Indian-American woman, I possess a unique perspective on current trends and enduring styles, and I recognize the potential of this untapped market. Introducing this model not only addresses my own mother's dilemma of what to do with her exquisite collection of classic Indian attire but also allows my generation to enjoy virtually endless wardrobe options. Moreover, it sets the stage for future generations to explore new approaches to shopping.

- Komal Billand, co-founder SilkChest