Megha Rao is the founder and designer of holiCHIC, a New York based fashion label redefining modern global style. Drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage and American upbringing, Megha designs pieces that blend contemporary fashion with traditional craftsmanship. Since launching the brand with $5000 of her own savings, she has grown holiCHIC into a multi-million-dollar label recognized for its bold, cross cultural aesthetic.
Megha Rao Questionnaire
Q. What inspired you to start holiCHIC?
A. holiCHIC started from a personal place. I grew up loving fashion, but I never saw clothes that reflected both sides of who I was ( Indian and American.) I’d wear my mom’s saris at weddings and then jeans and the next day. Those two worlds felt completely separate in fashion. When I started holiCHIC, I wanted to create pieces that blended those influences modern silhouettes with details inspired by Indian craftsmanship. I started very small, packing orders in my basement, but the idea was always the same: design pieces that feel global, modern, and confident while still honoring the artistry I grew up around.
Q. Growing up as a first-generation Indian-American, how has your background influenced your work as a designer?
A. It influences everything I do. Growing up, I was constantly navigating two cultures, and fashion became a way for me to express that. As a kid I didn’t always feel confident embracing my culture ( I was actually bullied for it ) but over time I realized how beautiful and powerful that heritage really is. Today I pull a lot from Indian textiles, embroidery techniques, and color stories, but I reinterpret them in ways that feel modern and wearable globally. holiCHIC is really about that duality.East and West, tradition and modernity coming together in a way that feels effortless.
Q. Your designs are now sold on Nordstrom’s website. How has that journey been?
A. It’s been surreal honestly! I started holiCHIC with $5,000 of my own savings, packing orders in my basement, so seeing the brand on a platform like Nordstrom is incredibly meaningful. What I love about the partnership is that it allows our designs to reach a much broader audience. Someone who may have never explored South Asian inspired fashion before can discover it in a familiar retail environment. For me it also represents years of building the brand step by step from packing orders myself to now seeing holiCHIC on major retail platforms.
Q. I love the Nala Embroidered Velvet Pants with the matching blazer. Which holiCHIC designs are the most popular?
A. The Nala set has been such a favorite because it’s a perfect example of what holiCHIC does ( a classic tailored silhouette with beautiful embroidery details that elevate it.) Another one of our most loved pieces is the 5-Second Sari, which is a modern take on the traditional sari that you can literally slip on in seconds without pins or pleating. It’s been amazing to see women from all backgrounds embrace it because it makes something traditionally complex feel easy and accessible. Our Riley skirt has also been a bestseller it’s one of those versatile pieces that people style in so many different ways!
Q. What is the most rewarding part of being a fashion designer?
A. Honestly, it’s seeing how people feel when they wear the pieces. Fashion is emotional. When someone tells me they felt confident, powerful, or truly seen in a holiCHIC design, that means everything. I also love being able to highlight craftsmanship , many of the techniques we use come from generations of artisans. Being able to bring that artistry into a modern context and introduce it to a global audience is incredibly rewarding. Bio: Megha Rao is the founder and designer of holiCHIC, a New York based fashion label redefining modern global style. Drawing inspiration from her Indian heritage and American upbringing, Megha designs pieces that blend contemporary fashion with traditional craftsmanship. Since launching the brand with $5000 of her own savings, she has grown holiCHIC into a multi-million-dollar label recognized for its bold, cross cultural aesthetic.
