Kiniho is a celebration of imperfection, heritage, and quiet strength. Born in the hills of Meghalaya and named after a phrase in the Bhoi language meaning “these are the ones,” the brand is an ode to what often goes unseen, the beauty in slowness, the richness of indigenous craft, and the stories woven into every thread.Founded in 2016 by Iba Mallai, Kiniho is based in the Ri-Bhoi district of Meghalaya, where the brand works exclusively with Eri silk, also known as Peace Silk. Unlike other silk varieties, Eri silk is harvested without harming the silkworm, making it both cruelty-free and deeply sustainable. Its unique, irregular texturemarked by soft slubs and a matte finishspeaks to the brand’s reverence for raw, natural beauty and hand-done imperfection.
Every Kiniho textile is a continuation of the heirloom weaving traditions of Meghalaya, crafted by a growing network of over 70 local women weavers. These women, many of whom are students and unemployed youth, are not just artisans, but the custodians of an age-old craft. Through skill, story, and solidarity, Kiniho empowers them to carry their cultural legacy forward while building sustainable livelihoods.The brand’s production unit in Umden (Ri-Bhoi) is the heart of its process, where raw Eri silk is spun, hand-dyed with natural dyes from the region’s leaves, bark, and roots, and woven into soulful, minimal textiles. Each collection channels the hues of Meghalaya’s forests and skies, interpreted through relaxed, seasonless silhouettes designed with a “less is more” philosophy.
At its core, Kiniho is a practice of responsibilitytoward nature, toward people, and toward the traditions that shape us. From embracing zero-waste practices to transforming leftover yarns into accessories, every detail is intentional. More than just garments, Kiniho creates mindful clothing that lives and lingersquietly, powerfully, deeply and rooted in the land it comes from.
