We recently connected with Kenchen Bharwani and have shared our conversation below.
Kenchen , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
My start wasn’t in a glamorous fashion house, it was in a small, women-owned garment trading and export company. They carried a treasure trove of well-known brands, sourced directly from the very manufacturers who needed help selling off their excess merchandise due to cancellations from the brands because of delayed deliveries, or something as simple as the hang tags being placed in the wrong spot. Note that these garments are brand new in pristine condition just like what you see in stores.
In that company, I was fascinated by their concept of taking “dead stock” that the market had overlooked and breathe new life into it by re-exporting to various countries which have demand of those garment styles, designed some of clothing using their dead stock of fabric to create a whole new line, or adding graphics to existing garments to add value to them, basically creating opportunities where others saw none.
It was in that environment that I realized fashion’s creativity isn’t confined to sketchbooks or sewing rooms, it can live in strategy, in connecting dots across continents, and in finding beauty and value where others see waste. I became drawn to the challenge of turning a surplus into a success story, of matching products with various markets in a way that felt almost like matchmaking.
Years later, when I stepped fully into the off-price fashion world, that early spark guided me. I understood that my creative path wasn’t going to be just about design, it would be about reimagining how fashion moves through the world, and that artistry and commerce could dance together.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Kenchen Bharwani, a fashion consultant for Empire Apparel LLC – New York, who has built a career at the intersection of creativity, commerce, and sustainability in the off-price fashion industry. I have a love for the unexpected side of fashion, the part that happens far from the runway lights, yet fuels so much of what we wear. Off-price fashion is a side of the industry that takes quality, brand-name goods and gives them a second life at a fraction of the price, without compromising style. It wasn’t about “discounting” in the traditional sense; it was about creative positioning, knowing how to make the product desirable again. I realized that fashion’s creativity extends into logistics, storytelling, and timing. And in many ways, those skills require as much artistry as design. My work is built on deep industry knowledge, creative sourcing, and a sharp eye for what the market craves next.
Today, my work is about curating these finds for our clients, from large chain off price retailers such as Ross, Burlington, TJMaxx, to smaller off-price retail chains. I source excess and overstock apparel directly from trusted global manufacturers, ensuring our clients get quality, on-trend products at competitive prices. The problems I solve range from helping manufacturers and brands recover value on excess inventory, to enabling small businesses to compete with bigger players, to creating sustainable solutions that keep clothing out of landfills.
I believe what sets me apart is my creative edge – the ability to see possibilities where others see limitations. Over the years, I’ve built a global network, built over years of travel, trust, and face-to-face collaboration with suppliers and manufacturers in countries like Pakistan, India, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Cambodia, and beyond. I’ve been invited into spaces where women are rarely given a seat at the table, like the Chamber of Commerce in Pakistan and I’ve used those opportunities to open doors for others. I’m most proud of being able to bridge worlds with equal fluency, from factory floors to executive boardrooms, while staying grounded to values of sustainability and connection. Whether it’s working on our company to scale sustainably or helping a global fashion brand liquidate responsibly, providing solutions that benefit everyone in the chain.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
At the heart of my work is a mission to reframe how the fashion industry sees off-price, not as an afterthought, but as a deliberate, intelligent, and stylish distribution model that can be both beautiful and sustainable. I want to show that excess inventory doesn’t have to mean excess waste, it can be transformed into opportunities for brands, retailers, and ultimately, the people who wear the clothes. My creative journey is about elevating this space, curating pieces with care and proving that value and vision can co-exist in the same garment.
For me, it’s never been just about moving product. It’s about creating stories from what might otherwise be forgotten, taking a collection that missed its season, a colorway that didn’t get produced in full, or a fabric run that sat idle, and reimagining its path. Each piece still has the power to make someone feel confident, inspired, or seen. That’s the beauty of fashion, and it’s what keeps me pushing the boundaries of what off-price can be.
Ultimately, my goal is to blend creativity with responsibility. I want to lead by example, building partnerships that honor craftsmanship, empower the people behind the product, and protect the environment.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part of my work is witnessing transformation, not just of garments, but of businesses and perceptions. There’s something very satisfying about taking a garment that’s been overlooked and positioning it so that it becomes someone’s most-loved piece. Knowing that I’ve connected that garment with its next chapter feels powerful.
I also find joy in the relationships I build along the way. Being able to bridge those worlds, and to ensure that each party benefits from the connection feels like the true reward.
Most importantly, I’m proud that my work creates ripples of impact. Every sustainable sourcing decision, every fair deal struck with a manufacturer, every opportunity given to a small retailer, it all adds up. As a fashion consultant, I get to merge style, strategy, and sustainability into one role, and that fusion is what keeps me inspired everyday.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kenchenbharwani.com/
- Instagram: @kanchanbharwani
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kanchan.bharwani
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kanchan-bharwani-b51704114/
