Staying refreshed this season is less about turning up the AC and more about choosing the right fabric. The Goan takes a look at how Goa’s fashion scene is redefining summer staples for both the boardwalk and the boardroom
Verma D’mello, Ninoshka Alvares-Delaney, Prachi Kamat, and Harold Andrade – all known fashion designers in Goa are working on their summer wear for the season. The temperatures are soaring. Goans are already upgrading their wardrobes and hunting for something that looks elegant and is cool, at the same time. Most are prioritising breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, mul, poplin, and rayon to beat the heat.
Speaking to The Goan fashion designer Harold Andrade shares that the current summer fashion trends across women's, men's, and kids' clothing visibly revolve around the global trend of sustainable eco-friendly fashion, keeping in mind the obvious summer comfort and ease, adapting to the Goan vibe be it among local residing population or the visitors to the State both domestic and international alike.
Eco-friendly options
Specialised in bespoke clothing, tailoring, and costume design for shows, films, and exhibits, Harold works from his studio at Fatorda. Margao is known for creating custom, resort-style fashion, including eco-friendly options. Remarking that this summer women’s wear is all about elegance and ease together in effortless styles, he points out that key looks include the minimal draping in fluid fabrics in silk or cotton combined with soft tailoring, 90s-inspired midi-length slip dresses, wide or elephant leg palazzo pants, asymmetric and above ankle hemlines, co-ord sets in linen, cotton, silk.
“Styling your way into the Goan summer, there is a subtle use of lace and mesh fabrics combined with structured clothing. Colour trends show soft pastel combinations with vibrant or neutral tones in summer shades of pink, green, yellow, orange, red, etc. Men's fashion in Goa is very much leaning towards relaxed, structured, hybrid styles blending elements from casual and formal wear with versatile looks. Key trends seen would be oversized T-shirts, relaxed shirts, wide leg linen trousers and Bermudas, baggy pants, vintage style washed denim, knit mesh fabrics in natural warm earthy colours in shades of green, brown, tan,” explains Harold.
Up-cycling, detailed work, nature dyes
Model and fashion designer Ninoshka Alvares Delaney from Abreuvaddo, Saligao, has a very interesting summer collection coming up; designed in organic cotton voile and hand-dyed shibori in indigo, lac, pomegranate, and harda dyes. “All pieces have an element of my signature upcycling. We added crochet and shell elements to the garments, too. The summer may be hot, but at 'Ninoshka', it’s always cool,” quips Ninoshka.
“People are leaning towards cottons and linens, asking for sleeveless. What I design is perfect for this weather – anti-fit clothing that doesn’t stick to the body. Fabric that breathes and nature dyes. I haven’t made skirts. But I do have flare and bias cut dresses, she explains. Ninoshka’s collection is mid-range, with each piece having a lot of detailing in it. She has both men’s and women’s categories.
Sustainable fashion, timeless collection
“I have a fantastic range for men. They prefer short sleeves in summer. And pajama pants in cotton, fisherman pants, and ikat shorts, too. For office wear, I have a range of white cottons with pleated detailing and shadow folding. For occasion wear, there is a range in chanderi cotton silk fabric. These are ongoing styles. We design classic styles. Our collections are timeless, keeping in mind our philosophy of ethical and sustainable fashion,” briefs the fashion designer who admits not designing a clothing range for kids, but she is indeed doing something very interesting for kids.
“I’ve collaborated with the Goan toy brand SnuggyBuggy to design reversible upcycled jackets for plush toys. We’re even open to making kids' clothes match the toys' clothes. But this is currently on an order basis only. We also put to use pre-used clothes and recycle them into usable items like bags, pouches, etc. I make reversible patchwork jackets with fabric scraps and pre-used clothes,” briefs Ninoshka.
‘Sea, Sand and Style’ show on April 18
Internationally famed fashion designer Verma D’mello is getting ready for the summer fashion show ‘Sea, Sand and Style’ organised by Goa Tourism on April 18, on what to wear and how to wear. “It is for the first time that we are coming out with a summer collection. Normally, we used to have Kunbi wear. Currently, we are focusing on summer wear. It's about cotton and breathable fabric because the climate is not conducive to synthetic fabrics. Another important thing is that the skin has to breathe. You have to feel cool, good in the summer. It plays on your mind, your body, your soul, whatever you wear,” claims Verma, advising not to wear tight clothes or long dresses in the summer.
“It has to be below the knee; wear three-quarter pants, something which is trendy and not lengthy. Some like to wear long sleeves because their skin is sensitive to sun's rays. It is important to wear eco-friendly clothing, especially in Goa, and we must inculcate this in the minds of our children when they are young,” Verma feels.
Modern and easy summer dressing
Fashion designer Prachi Kamat custom makes kids wear, teenagers and men’s wear twinning sets. According to her, the fabrics best for the season are poplin, cotton, linen, and modal satin. Prachi’s latest collection, ‘Summer Mosaic’, captures the essence of sun-soaked coastal life through mosaic-inspired patterns and fluid silhouettes. Drawing from Goa’s geometry, textures, and relaxed rhythm, the collection brings together effortless forms with striking visual compositions, making it ideal for modern, easy summer dressing.
Through her work, Prachi continues to position Goa not just as a destination, but as a design language – one that is expressive, rooted, and globally relevant. She continues to carve a distinctive identity in the Indian fashion landscape with her evocative, culture-rooted label that celebrates the spirit of Goa. Known for blending storytelling with design, her creations translate the state’s vibrant colours, heritage, and everyday poetry into wearable art. “Each of my garments reflects a deeper narrative—of self-expression, local culture and contemporary femininity,” boasts Prachi.
Among Prachi’s notable lines are ‘Devbarekaro’, ‘Sutrika’, and ‘The Latin Quarter’ – standing out for their design language and sentiment. Her ‘Latin Quarter’ collection pays homage to Goa’s iconic Fontainhas neighbourhood, featuring vibrant hues, breezy silhouettes, and artistic detailing that echo the charm of its colourful streets and Portuguese-influenced heritage.
