Mehndi artist Kavita, the founder of KV Mendhi, is known for creating the most intricate henna designs, for infusing wedding mehndi with personalisation and for viewing the artform with a modern lens. The London-based artist has carved a niche for her one-of-a-kind designs that merge traditional heritage with a new age bride’s modern lifestyle to narrate her unique story.

Kavita’s relationship with the time-honoured tradition started at a tender age. “My journey started when I was 6 or 7 watching my Naniji applying henna paste to dye her hair, and later learning to keep her head cool. It fascinated me how not only would it stain any surface to this beaming orange colour, but offered many ayurvedic benefits too. Eventually, I became intrigued how mehndi artists applied henna during festivals such as Karva Chauth or henna ceremonies for weddings. I’d watch them intently and then practice with a match stick. In the early years of my henna hobby, I’d find myself trying to mimic designs from mehndi books onto my notepads, drawing intricate details layer by layer until they became more elaborate designs.”

After volunteering many times as a mehndi artist at charity events and being asked to be the henna artist for a bride as an amateur, the word spread. Today, Kavita’s vision, which is Indian at its core but boundless in its form, has made her a go-to mehndi artist for brides in the UK.