The Rise of Karleo: A Fashion Powerhouse Born in Goa
Meet Leon Vaz, a talented Goan designer who has taken the fashion world by storm with his exquisite creations. As the co-founder of Karleo, a luxury fashion brand specialising in couture and ready-to-wear garments founded in 2012, Leon has proven that with dedication and passion, success knows no bounds.
Leon Vaz and Karan Berry: The Dynamic Duo Behind Karleo
Leon Vaz and Karan Berry, the founders of Karleo, are a perfect blend of creativity and expertise. While Leon brings his knowledge of garment construction and corset-making to the table, Karan contributes his skills in design narrative and aesthetics. Their partnership is built on a seamless synchrony of their work and design principles, resulting in masterpieces that showcase Indian craftsmanship with Western design sensibilities.
Leon, who began his journey in fashion after earning a degree in fashion design from Pearl Academy of Fashion in New Delhi, interned with Indian names like Varun Sardana and Nitin Bal Chauhan and worked with major international labels like Valentino and Armani. Karan, on the other hand, acquired a postgraduate diploma in fashion and worked with Spykar Jeans before launching AKA Bespoke, a custom footwear and accessory brand.
The Karleo Brand Name
The Karleo brand name is a thoughtful combination of its founders’ names – Karan Berry and Leon Vaz. “Kar” from Karan and “Leo” from Leon seamlessly blend to form Karleo, reflecting the personal touch and simplicity that the designers aimed for in their brand.
Karleo’s Success Story
Karleo’s rise to fame can be attributed to its commitment to quality, attention to detail, and client-centric approach. The brand’s designs are inspired by everyday elements, transformed into exclusive pieces that reflect the wearer’s personality. “My journey and growth as a designer have provided context to my creativity,” says Leon, highlighting the importance of experience in shaping his design philosophy.
Red Carpet Glamour: Karleo’s Cannes Moment
One of Karleo’s most significant milestones was designing a stunning gown for Simi Garewal, a renowned celebrity, to wear at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival 2025. The outfit featured Indian fabrics like raw silks and motifs, showcasing India’s global cultural heritage. Leon recalls the experience, “This was a true honour. We invited Simi to our studio and showed her our design processes, from artwork sketches to embroidery swatches to construction techniques.”
Simi Garewal, known as the “Lady in White,” found a perfect match in Karleo, a brand specialising in white wedding gowns. Their collaboration resulted in a stunning ensemble that
showcased India’s rich cultural heritage on a global platform. The design process was a fascinating experience, with hours of discussion on various shades of white and different kinds of shines. “What’s remarkable about working with Simi is her deep knowledge of fabrics and her appreciation for old-world charm, which makes every design a dream come true,” says Karan.
What Sets Karleo Apart
Karleo’s unique approach to fashion lies in its ability to involve clients in the design process. From spec sheets to virtual trials and mock garments, the brand ensures that every piece is tailored to the client’s preferences. “At Karleo, trends are not followed blindly. Each garment has a personality of its own, which draws heavily from the personality of its wearer,” Leon explains. This personalised approach has earned Karleo a loyal clientele, including celebrities like Simi Garewal, Sonali Bendre, and Surveen Chawla.
Karleo’s “Masks for Humanity” Initiative: A Step Towards Social Responsibility
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Karleo, a renowned fashion brand, has launched the “Masks for Humanity” initiative. As responsible citizens, they aimed to contribute to the well-being of society by manufacturing and distributing masks to those in need.
Collaboration with BMC
Karleo has partnered with the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) to produce 5,000 masks using in-house unutilized fabrics and donated materials. These masks will be primarily distributed to BMC sweepers, garbage pickers, and others who are at risk while serving the community.
Sustainable Approach
The initiative not only provides essential protection but also promotes sustainability. By utilising leftover fabrics, Karleo reduces waste and conserves resources. Additionally, the brand has given employment opportunities to work-from-home clusters of ladies and workers, supporting them during the economic slowdown.
A Unique Initiative
Karleo is one of the first few designers to receive permission from the government to undertake this initiative. Their efforts reflect their commitment to social responsibility, encapsulated in their motto: “We Care, We Share.” Through “Masks for Humanity,” Karleo made a meaningful contribution to society, demonstrating that fashion can be a force for good.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Karleo continues to make waves in the fashion industry, Leon and Karan look forward to expanding the brand’s reach. With plans to participate in the Dubai Fashion Week, Karleo is
poised for global success. The brand’s vision is clear: to be a one-stop shop for planning one’s entire wedding wardrobe or outfits for key moments in one’s life.
