PANNKH Designer Pet Wear began as a heartfelt idea stitched from creativity and compassion. Founded by Khyati Karan Shah, a designer whose journey started under her mother’s guidance, the brand blends artistry with purpose. What began as handcrafted outfits for her dog, Angel, quickly evolved into a couture label that celebrates pets as family.
From her design roots in Ahmedabad to international showcases like the Singapore Pet Festival, Khyati has transformed the concept of pet wear in India. Today, PANNKH stands out for its handcrafted, customizable designs that celebrate comfort, culture, and craftsmanship—three values Khyati holds close to her heart.
In this conversation with Khyati Shah, we have covered her design philosophy, creative journey, global recognition, and how PANNKH is shaping the future of Indian pet couture.
Khyati, could you start by sharing a bit about yourself and what inspired you to launch PANNKH Designer Pet Wear?
My name is KHYATI KARAN SHAH. I started my career by working under my mom who taught me the basics of stitching machine. I was a topper in my designing classes and that’s how my journey started by creating human outfits and dressing my paw baby – ANGEL. Slowly I started getting inquiries to make outfits for other paw babies and that’s how PANNKH DESIGNER PET WEAR started in 2018.
The idea of pet couture is still fairly new in India. What gap in the market did you notice that motivated you to bring this concept to life?
The outfit you get in the market are all in standard sizes, which are either small, big, tight or loose. Also the finishing and fabrics are not too comfortable. Seeing this gap of customization we slowly and gradually started building more and more outfits which are not only customizable but also very comfortable and easy to wear.
Every brand has a story behind its name. What does the name “PANNKH” symbolize for you and your brand?
PANNKH is a unique brand inspired by the Founder’s Mother – Panna & her own initials – Khyati, with the “Paw” symbolizing the beloved paw babies – Angel & Awsum. As I started working under my mom, the starting initials are under her name.
How do you balance functionality with fashion in your designs, considering pets need comfort above all?
For us, comfort is the foundation of fashion. We use lightweight fabrics with proper lining to keep pets irritation-free. For heavier fabrics with sequins or embellishments, we add piping to make them gentle on the skin.
In addition, our outfits are designed with side Velcro closures so pets don’t need to move their legs while dressing—just slip the neck in and close the Velcro. This not only makes it quick and easy but also safer than buttons, which can hurt pets when they lie down.
Many pet owners worry about materials used in clothing. Could you tell us about the fabrics and safety standards PANNKH Designer Pet Wear follow?
We carefully select fabrics depending on the weather and the occasion.
For example, for summers, we use breathable cottons; for winters, soft fleece; and for weddings or festive occasions, luxurious velvets, georgette, and brocades.
In fact, every outfit is lined to ensure comfort and safety. We also suggest fabrics to pet parents based on the nature of the event so their pets feel both comfortable and stylish.
Pet fashion is becoming global. How do you see Indian pet parents adapting to this trend compared to international markets?
Globally, pet fashion is already a lifestyle, but in India it’s catching up fast.
Earlier, pet parents focused only on functional wear like raincoats. Now, they want wedding wear, festive outfits, and even twinning looks with family members.
We proudly showcased Indian ethnic wear at the Singapore Pet Festival, and many of our products sold out there. It was a great moment showing that Indian pet fashion has strong international appeal.
Could you walk us through your design process — how does an idea transform into a finished piece at PANNKH Designer Pet Wear?
Our process is very interactive. We begin by showing fabric options to our clients, then we discuss designs, patterns, and sometimes even twinning outfits with family members. Many pet parents bring inspiration from platforms like Pinterest, and we translate those ideas into pet-friendly designs. From selecting the right fabric to refining the fit and closures, every detail is customized. This ensures the
final piece reflects the pet parent’s vision while keeping the pet comfortable.
What challenges did you face in building awareness for designer pet wear, and how did you overcome them?
When we started, most people thought pet fashion was unnecessary. The challenge was to shift that perception by showing that clothing can be both stylish and safe. Exhibiting at events like the Singapore Pet Festival helped us showcase Indian wear to a global audience.
Another milestone was designing for Happy Ambani, son of Anant Ambani, which gave us recognition and credibility in international markets. Over time, these opportunities helped us build awareness and trust.
Sustainability in fashion is a hot topic today. Does PANNKH Designer Pet Wear integrate eco-conscious practices in its collections?
Yes, sustainability is close to our heart. We upcycle leftover fabrics into smaller accessories like bows, bandanas, and pouches, ensuring nothing goes to waste. We also use natural, breathable fabrics wherever possible. As the pet fashion industry grows, we want to ensure it does so responsibly.
How do you engage with customers to understand their preferences and design outfits that resonate with them?
Engagement is at the core of our process. We interact with pet parents at exhibitions, on social media, and directly during consultations. We ask about their pets’ needs, occasions they want to celebrate, and even their style inspirations. Customization is a big part of what we do — we design for dogs, cats, birds, rabbits, guinea pigs, horses, dwarf cows, camels, and even elephants. Every pet deserves to feel special, and this direct engagement ensures our designs reflect that.
Collaboration often strengthens a brand’s reach. Have you partnered with influencers, pet professionals, or other brands to promote PANNKH Designer Pet Wear?
Yes, collaborations have played a huge role in our journey. We’ve worked with pet influencers, showcased at global exhibitions like the Singapore Pet Festival, and connected with international communities. These collaborations not only amplify our reach but also position PANNKH Designer Pet Wear as a brand that bridges Indian culture with global pet fashion trends.
Running a niche business requires vision. What has been your most rewarding moment since starting PANNKH?
There have been many rewarding moments, but recently one that stood out was during Navratri. Being from Ahmedabad, we designed special Navratri outfits for pets, and they were featured in top newspapers like Ahmedabad Times, Gujarat Samachar, and City Bhaskar.
We also curated a Navratri event for pets and their parents, which received an overwhelming response. Moments like these not only give us recognition but also strengthen the bond we share with our community.
Looking at the broader pet industry, where do you think the future of pet fashion is heading?
The future of pet fashion is bright. We believe it will become as mainstream as kids’ wear. Seasonal collections, festive fashion, wedding wear, and personalized designs will continue to grow. Globally and in India, pet parents increasingly see fashion as a way to celebrate their bond with their pets— and PANNKH is here to lead that movement.
For aspiring entrepreneurs entering pet lifestyle businesses, what advice would you give from your journey so far?
Start with empathy for pets — their comfort and safety should guide every decision. Be patient, because creating awareness in niche industries takes time. Don’t compromise on quality, and keep innovating. And most importantly, focus on creating emotional connections — because pet businesses are built on love as much as they are on products.
Finally, what’s next for PANNKH Designer Pet Wear? Can pet parents expect new collections, accessories, or perhaps global expansion?
Yes, absolutely! We’re working on new festive and casual collections, along with accessories for pets of all sizes. Global expansion is a big part of our vision — we’re looking forward to showcasing Indian pet fashion in more international markets. The dream is to see PANNKH Designer Pet Wear become a global name representing Indian culture and craftsmanship in the pet fashion industry.
From a simple love for design to building a global couture label, Khyati Karan Shah’s journey with PANNKH Designer Pet Wear reflects creativity guided by compassion. Her thoughtful approach — prioritizing comfort while celebrating Indian craftsmanship — has positioned PANNKH as a pioneer in the growing pet fashion space. As she continues to expand the brand across international markets, Khyati remains deeply connected to her roots and her purpose. Through this conversation, her story reminds us that pet fashion is more than style — it’s an emotion stitched with trust, tradition, and innovation.
