Kopahi
My responsibilities
Creative Direction, Branding & Visual Identity, Social Media Assets, Website Design
Industry
Eco-Fashion
PROJECT INFO
KOPAHI is a contemporary eco-fashion label celebrating handwoven textiles from rural Assam in India, crafted using organic fabrics and traditional weaving techniques that support women with disabilities through meaningful employment.
The challenge was refreshing the brand identity to feel modern and design-led without losing the cultural heritage and human story at its core.
MY ROLE
I was the designer responsible for KOPAHI's brand refresh, owning the identity system end-to-end — from logo redevelopment through to typography, colour, illustration assets, and social and packaging direction.
KEY DESIGN DECISIONS
Decision 1: Evolving the logo into a kolam-inspired mark
The existing "K" didn't yet carry any cultural reference. Rather than leaning on literal imagery like looms or weaving tools, I reshaped the K into a form inspired by kolam (a traditional Indian floor art) using its flowing, circular quality to nod to heritage without being on-the-nose about it.
Decision 2: An earthy, elevated colour and type palette
I built a palette balancing warm, earthy tones with a calmer, more elevated register that is grounded enough to feel authentic to the craft, refined enough to sit next to modern fashion labels. Paired with Catchy Mager, the typography brings an editorial, fashion-forward tone without feeling detached from the brand's roots.
Decision 3: Custom illustration assets over literal pattern-making
Rather than using obvious textile-pattern motifs, I developed a set of abstract line-shapes inspired by India and details specific to the client. These sit quietly across brand materials as a subtle signature, giving KOPAHI a distinct visual mark without leaning on cliché.
OUTCOME
The refreshed identity positions KOPAHI as a modern eco-fashion label that no longer has to choose between looking premium and staying true to its story — the two now work together.
Deliverables included:
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Brand refresh and identity refinement
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Typography and colour palette development
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Packaging and collateral concepts
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Social media visual direction
The refreshed identity feels more aligned with KOPAHI's mission — balancing contemporary fashion aesthetics with the warmth and authenticity of handmade craft.
Since launch, KOPAHI has found a home within Auckland's indie fashion community, resonating with an audience that values craftsmanship and ethical production
as much as design.
