Kanika Goyal's new collection with Disney brings a nostalgia meets grunge vibe

Disney, both as a literal and metaphorical universe, continues to evolve with more iterations than one can count. Be it the characters or the travel destinations, the Disney universe immerses one and all, irrespective of age. Through sensory experiences like sprawling amusement parks and films, they possess the ability to translate fiction into reality. Increasingly, fashion has made it a coveted force in the world of couture. In its latest creative crossover, designer Kanika Goyal brings her distinctive vision to the table, channelling Disney’s nostalgia through yet experimental silhouettes to bring the best of both worlds

Defining the collection as “a dream that dreamed itself,” Kanika reimagines the Disney narrative through a symbolic dialogue between two design legacies. While the house of Disney has its imaginative figures, vibrant hues, and a sense of nostalgia, the Kanika Goyal Label (KGL) heralds Indian motifs, deconstructed silhouettes, artisanal craftsmanship, and her signature vernacular of grunge. Presenting a spirited collision of the two in her recent edit is a riot of layered, yet simply cool pieces. HELLO! delves into an exclusive interaction with the designer. 

HELLO! India: Tell us about the ideation and conceptualisation of the collection. What were the inspirations you borrowed from?

KGL: The idea of reinterpreting something as globally iconic as Mickey & Friends through the KGL lens was both exciting and deeply personal. The inspiration came from a layered space—memory, travel, and cultural archetypes. Of course, there’s my own childhood, growing up with these characters who’ve become part of a shared visual language. But it also draws from my experience of South India—the vibrancy, the symbolism, the architecture. I still remember seeing a little boy in a checkered lungi, standing against the backdrop of an ornate temple—it stuck with me. There’s something poetic about placing these familiar Disney figures within a context shaped by Indian motifs—chillies, paisleys, temple gates that double up as portals. Through deconstructed tailoring, upcycled denim, layered textures, and intricate hand embroidery, the collection becomes a surreal mapping of identity. It’s equal parts nostalgic and imaginative, playful yet rooted in craft.

HELLO! India: What elements of Disney’s universe did you take up to merge with your signature aesthetic? Any particular characters or stories that inspired you?

KGL: The collaboration really thrives on dialogue—between Disney’s iconic imagery and KGL’s design language. We stayed rooted in our core elements: deconstruction, artisanal surface work, soft grunge influences, and a strong visual narrative. But we also made space for Mickey’s unmistakable silhouette—the saturated colours, and that childlike sense of wonder that Disney does so well. We layered this with deeper symbolism. Indian motifs sit alongside argyle knits and vivid graphic treatments, creating a hybrid language that feels both surprising and instinctive. It's a collection that invites nostalgia, but with a twist—it feels both familiar and fresh.

HELLO! India: Were there any indigenous cultural elements that you wanted to portray on Disney’s global platform?

KGL: Absolutely. We were intentional about infusing the collection with symbols that carry meaning in an Indian context—chillies often seen hanging outside homes for protection, paisleys that speak to timelessness, temple gates as metaphors for transition and imagination. These motifs aren't decorative—they’re signifiers, recontextualised through a playful and global lens. By juxtaposing them with Disney’s instantly recognisable characters and iconography, we’re not just blending two worlds—we’re offering a distinctively Indian perspective on something globally beloved. It’s a bold visual narrative rooted in craft—deconstructed silhouettes, upcycled materials, and hand-done details—that tells a story of cross-cultural storytelling and identity.

HELLO! India: Tell us about the materials, silhouettes, and detailing that set this collection apart.

KGL: This collection brings together signature KGL silhouettes and fabrications with a distinctly Disney spirit. There are bold graphic prints that immediately catch the eye, but also quieter, more refined moments—like a clean Mickey cut-out on a sleek black bomber. We worked with a mix of upcycled denim, engineered prints, layered knits, and hand embroidery. The idea was to strike a balance—making the collection wearable and collectable, without diluting our voice. I think we’ve achieved that middle ground where storytelling meets sellability. It’s a collection that invites both joy and reflection, which to me is the sweet spot.

HELLO! India: What are your favourite pieces from the collection?

KGL: There’s a printed shirt that feels especially central to the narrative of this collection—Mickey is shown peering out the window of a moving car, with Donald’s reflection subtly appearing in the glass. It’s quiet, cinematic, and almost like a still from an animated road trip. We’ve also expanded our accessories offering this time, which was particularly exciting—it introduces a more accessible entry point into the collection. The Mickey cut-out cap and sculptural earrings are personal favourites; they strike just the right balance between whimsy and our signature design language.

Revisiting symbolism through an Indian lens, the collection attests that fashion and fairytales both thrive on reinvention and you can include the first-of-a-kind collection can be a part of your wardrobe.