Designer Sisters Return from London and New York, Have a Butterfly Effect in India

By Anupam Dabral

Kaabia and Sasha Grewal developed a passion for jewels early in life. Hailing from Ludhiana and brought up in Delhi, the sisters often visited the family jewellery as children along with their homemaker mother, who bequeathed them her great taste and understanding of details.

Encouraged by their hotelier father, they earned degrees in jewellery design and manufacturing from the Indian Institute of Gems and Jewellery. Sasha then went on to design for the high-street fashion brand Topshop in London.

Meanwhile, Kaabia studied at the Gemological Institute of America (GIA) in New York after which she interned with jewellery designer Eddie Borgo.

In 2012, they launched their label Outhouse’, which saw a quick and heady rise in the world of fashion accessories, creating a whole new genre of nature-inspired jewels.

It was their own special kind of butterfly effect.

Worn by some of India’s biggest fashion icons from Sonam Kapoor, Priyanka Chopra, Deepika Padukone to Kangana Ranaut, and global divas like Sienna Miller and Tyra Banks, the label has grown organically, breaking into a business dominated by traditional sensibilities.

What made them stand tall was their flair for “unique and dynamic designs” they say. From dragonfly earrings to rings inspired by horses and butterflies, these jewels are certainly not meant for the faint-hearted.

“Outhouse thrives on constantly pushing the envelope of design, redefining how fashion jewellery is perceived and adorned; every piece aims to be a work of art and a conversation starter,” the sisters say.

Their commitment to old-school craft makes a difference. Each piece is handcrafted with fine detailing, which is why they prefer working with an established team of skilled metal-smiths.

With over 70 employees and retailing out of reputed stores in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru besides internationally at Bloomingdales and Harvey Nichols, the girls have witnessed the jewellery market evolve.

“Women are moving away from the typical gold and diamond real jewellery and are more experimental with their choices,” they opine. That’s good news for the maverick label, certainly!