interview: purna khatau from rhode resort

We recently had the pleasure of catching up with Purna Khatau, designer of Rhode Resort. Her line of embellished kaftans and luxurious separates makes any jetsetter escape in style. With a new label of less than a year, Rhode Resort is already making big strides, especially when Khloe Kardashian and Beyoncé is seen sporting her designs.

Let’s meet the beautiful Purna Khatau from Rhode Resort…

{Purna Khatau, Rhode Resort Designer}

First of all, we are huge fans of Rhode Resort! What brought you to creating your own label? Tell us about the journey that has led you to where you’re at.

Phoebe and I have been friends since we were randomly assigned as freshman year roommates. I always loved fashion and worked as a buyer for several years, and phoebe in advertising and photography. Living on opposite ends of the world, we would meet in different places all the time. We romanticized about the “perfect kaftan” for years until we found ourselves together in Goa, when we realized that the timing was just right to do it. Goa was the perfect setting – a place that combines barefoot chic and no hassle on the beach, to incredibly lively restaurants and glammed up nightlife- all in this general Indian environment filled with color and vibrancy.

Who is the Rhode Resort woman?

The Rhode girl is definitely stylish. Sophisticated in taste, but yet playful, and not too serious. She’s a modern type of bohemian that has, or aspires to, travel the world. Carefree in nature, but always dressed for the unexpected!

With a brand new label that was just created in January 2013, you’ve had some pretty fabulous woman sporting your designs such as Beyoncé and Khloe Kardashian. That had to be pretty flattering! What dream celebrity would you love to see wearing Rhode Resort?

It was definitely completely exciting seeing them wear Rhode! I would love to see Rihanna in Rhode next!

Of all of your styles from your current collection, what is your favorite go to look and why?

My favorite look is the Casu Caftan – it’s just a really easy piece, that you can dress up or even sleep in – but you will look fab no matter what you are doing! (Comes in Blue, Pink and Taupe)

What can we see from your 2015 collection and where did you get your inspiration?

The resort 15 collection is our take on Disco Leisure Glam! Lots of metallic, and sequins!

{2015 Rhode Resort Collection}

How would you define your personal style?

Chic, easy and playful.

What matters to you most about being a fashion designer?

Staying true to my vision.

How do you set yourself apart from other brands in such a competitive industry?

Honestly I think what sets us apart is that we are girly, fun but yet modern and clean, in a monochromatic world.

What can we see from Rhode Resort in the next 5 years?

More color, more prints, more embellishments and more kaftans! I hope the brand grows to become destination where a woman can find anything she may need to look and feel amazing.