Dress to Express with Women in Fashion: Alice Narang

As we continue to build our Kahani community, we are incorporating new ways to involve fellow creatives, entrepreneurs, and all-around-amazing individuals. This new series we’re starting includes mini Q+A’s with folks we feel represent what Kahani and our team is all about. We aim to cover a variety of topics, industries, and backgrounds - so if you have anyone in mind, please don’t hesitate to reach out!

Our fourth edition features Alice Narang of Bedi, a clothing brand based in New York City that combines traditional South Asian apparel with contemporary style. Alice aims to integrate Indian attire and streetwear into everyday fashion, creating culturally influenced ready-to-wear pieces. The brand celebrates self-expression and pride in South Asian ancestry, while also challenging gender norms and embracing creativity and innovation. The name "Bedi" itself holds sentimental value as it pays homage to Narang's late grandfather, symbolizing the brand's unwavering commitment to shattering barriers and redefining fashion.

Continue reading to learn more about Alice and Bedi and how fashion can be a perfect outlet for both creative-expression and preserving cultural identity.

1. What inspired your brand’s aesthetic?

“Bedi draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditional silhouettes that have left a lasting impression, thanks to the women in my life and their style through different fashion eras. A significant influence on Bedi's designs comes from the world of cinema…”

The inspiration behind Bedi's brand aesthetic is rooted in the tagline "An Ode to the Traditional, Updated to Modernity." This philosophy encapsulates the essence of the brand's creative vision. Bedi draws inspiration from the rich tapestry of traditional silhouettes that have left a lasting impression, thanks to the women in my life and their style through different fashion eras. A significant influence on Bedi's designs comes from the world of cinema, with the current collection being inspired by the 1978 film "Satyam Shivam Sundaram."

Bedi's approach revolves around making beloved styles not only timeless but also adaptable for contemporary life, seamlessly transitioning from day to night. A prime example is the "Sita Skirt" from last season’s collection, which reimagines the traditional saree with a modern twist. This vibrant green satin skirt combines ease of wear with a flattering silhouette, reminiscent of the folds in a saree. This fusion of tradition and modernity ensures that Bedi's creations are both relevant and accessible for today's dynamic lifestyles, even in the hustle and bustle of NYC.

 2. What does personal style mean to you?

“It serves as a canvas for expressing one's current emotions, state of mind, and life perspective during a particular period.”

Personal style, to me, is an intricate reflection of one's inner self. It serves as a canvas for expressing one's current emotions, state of mind, and life perspective during a particular period. I believe that, often subconsciously, our choice of attire is a deeply intimate portrayal of our authentic selves. 

In essence, personal style involves having a keen understanding of what appeals to you, what aspects of your personality or physique you wish to accentuate, and what clothing makes you feel genuinely at ease. It transcends the ever-changing tides of fashion trends, which, while they might momentarily influence one's choices, should not be confused with one's unique style. Trends may come and go, but personal style remains a steadfast and authentic representation of who we are, our experiences and even where we come from and belong to. 

I think my Scorpion dress is a good example of this as it combines the classic silhouette of a black dress but incorporates a sultry back with a back charm with bells or ghungroo that are reminiscent of payals or anklets.

3. How do you try to incorporate your South Asian roots into your designs?

“Each of my creations is intricately woven with elements drawn from South Asian clothing designs and is influenced by it. This includes the artful use of pleats, graceful drapes, intricate embroidery styles, and the selection of fabrics that are emblematic of the region's cultural and sartorial heritage.”

I strive to infuse my heritage into my designs in a way that pays homage to the rich traditions of my upbringing. Each of my creations is intricately woven with elements drawn from South Asian clothing designs and is influenced by it. This includes the artful use of pleats, graceful drapes, intricate embroidery styles, and the selection of fabrics that are emblematic of the region's cultural and sartorial heritage. In doing so, I aim to capture the essence of South Asian aesthetics and present them in a manner that not only celebrates this rich cultural tapestry but also makes it accessible and appealing to a wider audience. My designs are a fusion of tradition and modernity, a bridge between the past and the present, reflecting the vibrant and diverse nature of South Asian fashion.

4. How do you overcome judgement about personal style choices within South Asian communities?

“I've learned to do what makes me happy, even if others don't get it. People have their own tastes and perspectives, and it is all valid.”

I've developed a mindset of self-assuredness and resilience that I have been honing since I was a teen and granting self-acceptance to be my true self. I'm used to being different and not following the crowd because of my dual identity and the multifacetedness of being a Punjabi-American.  I've learned to do what makes me happy, even if others don't get it. People have their own tastes and perspectives, and it is all valid.

I honor myself by staying true to my own style and being open to the different opinions around me. I've found my path. I've also connected with people who share my interests, and it's a great feeling to connect with like-minded folks. It is amazing when people and ideas resonate and it’s a heartwarming experience to not feel alone in this.     

In short, facing judgment about your personal style is easier when you believe in yourself and have an overall appreciation of the culture.

5. How do you drown out the noise of trends & stick to your personal aesthetic? 

“My personal aesthetic is a reflection of my everyday life experiences and my innate desires…I like to think of my creations as not just clothing, but as pieces that bring joy and resonate with a shared sense of fun for those who choose to wear them.”

To remain true to my personal aesthetic and drown out the noise of constantly changing fashion trends, I adopt a deliberate approach. I intentionally steer clear of paying excessive attention to what other brands are doing or staying hyper-informed about the latest fashion news unless it's truly significant.

Instead, my focus is on the integrity of my clothing and how it can serve a purpose in the lives of my customers. I'm committed to creating pieces that seamlessly transition and adapt to the needs of the next generation. I've always been a bit of a daydreamer, often immersed in my own world, which makes it easier for me to follow this path.

My personal aesthetic is a reflection of my everyday life experiences and my innate desires. I design clothing that I genuinely desire to have in my own closet, and I extend the opportunity for others to join in the experience. I like to think of my creations as not just clothing, but as pieces that bring joy and resonate with a shared sense of fun for those who choose to wear them. In essence, my designs are an extension of my personal style, and by crafting them, I aim to offer others a chance to share in that sense of connection and excitement.