The face behind RmKV

RmKV
Originally uploaded by theiyer.

Do you recognise the person in the photograph receiving the award? Chances are you will fail to recognise him. But then I am sure that there is no one in Tamil Nadu who does not recognise or has not heard of his brand - RmKV. But the sad news is that you will not see him anymore - he died in a tragic highway accident a few days back.

Redefining the world of textiles and garment retailing, this IIT Textile grad had done a yeoman's service to countless weavers and in the process, resurrecting Tamil Nadu's fallen pride - silk weaving.

New product development is one and creating a niche in the cluttered marketplace through an aggressive brand push is another. I am sure that there are hardly any textile connoisseurs in the country who had the pulse of the market as he had.

"Cinderella Pavadais" was one of the cutting edge product innovation that made tradition looked so fashionable. When we decided to pick one for my niece just a few days into the launch of the product, the shelf had gone empty, thanks to the Diwali rush. 50,000-coloured saree further ensured that the arc lights were further trained on RmKV.

Its definitely a loss that can never be bridged. Just hope that the brand can continue its march despite its mentor.