Mohandas K. Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Hindu deities, and timeless messages of peace and passive resistance are the inspiration behind Sir Alistair Rai. Kiran Rai's Indian heritage, love for rock-n-roll and fashion have merged to create a fashion line that promotes global awareness. From the wisdom and beauty of our Raja line, featuring one of a kind art work and Swarovski detail, to the wit and social commentary of our Junglee line, there's certain to be a piece for every day.
This is Sir Alistair Rai
Kiran Rai's collection brings ancient teachings into today's world.
These are powerful messages that scream to be heard, and echo with strength. Will Sir Alistair Rai's collections change the world? Probably not, but it could remind the person that wears it that their actions can. After all, beauty, truth and love never go out of style. That said, live truthfully.
Namaste:
Sir Alistair Rai
About Kiran Rai
Born in England to a traditional Indian family and schooled in Switzerland, Kiran Rai has been influenced by many different cultures. As designer and creative director of Sir Alistair Rai, Kiran creates pieces that are a reflection of her life experiences and cultural history.
After 10 years of working as a buyer in the fashion industry, Kiran was ready to create something of her own that would make a statement and potentially change the way people think. With that, Sir Alistair Rai was born. In 2006, Kiran created a line of t-shirts for her and her friends with kitschy slogans such as “Adopt Me Angelina” and Gandhi Portrait T-shirt. Once the Kitson buyers saw these t-shirts, Sir Alistair Rai launched at their Los Angeles location in February 2006 and was an instant success. Kiran’s designs bring timeless messages of peace, promote global awareness, and introduce ancient teachings into today’s world.
For inspiration, Kiran frequently visits India where she is able to explore her own heritage. From the wisdom and beauty of her Raja line, featuring one of a kind art work to the wit and social commentary of her Junglee line, Sir Alistair Rai conjures the feeling of far-off Indian sectors.
In 2007, Sir Alistair Rai introduced scarves to their collection and they were an immediate hit. Drew Barrymore picked up a few of the scarves in a local Los Angeles boutique and raved about them in her interview with the London Times. Since then, numerous style icons and celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Julia Roberts, Halle Berry and Jessica Alba have been routinely photographed wearing Kiran’s designs, as they have become a closet staple. Each scarf comes with its own personal message of love, peace, hope, karma, and kismet (fate).
In 2008, Kiran added ready-to-wear and accessories into the mix. Dresses, caftans, clutches and bangles were welcomed to rave reviews. Sir Alistair Rai anticipates further growth with the launch of shoes, hats and jewelry in early 2009.
While she’s busy at work designing spectacular pieces, Kiran is devoted to making sure all of her manufacturing facilities guarantee fair labor practices. The whole collection is produced in India and Kiran personally visits each facility to ensure workers are being treated fairly and paid a living wage.
As a mother of a teenage boy, designer and owner of a budding fashion label, a world traveler, Kiran does it all. She continues to develop new aspects of fashion, keeping each collection unique and fresh. While Sir Alistair Rai continues to grow, Kiran’s recognition and regard in the industry as a designer follows suit.
Sir Alistair Rai is sold in Nordstroms, Intermix, Henri Bendels, Selfridges, Harvey Nichols, www.siralistairrai.com and over 500 specialty stores world wide.