A Q&A with Jithya from Navangi

Beyond fashion, I’ve always had a deep passion for psychology – particularly child psychology, which I originally intended to pursue as a career. While that mission remains close to my heart and is a long-term focus, I have shifted my focus to design, channelling my understanding of human behaviour into creating garments that empower women and influence how they feel and present themselves.

My approach to design is deeply influenced by a combination of industry experience and a genuine curiosity about human behaviour. Over the past five years as a stylist, I’ve had the unique opportunity to be in constant conversation with women – hearing firsthand their frustrations, desires, and preferences. In many ways, this became an ongoing, real-world study of what women truly need and want from their wardrobes. My brand Navangi is a direct result of these insights – built to empower, support, and simplify women’s lives without sacrificing elegance or ease. 

Behind the scenes at Navangi. Image provided. 

At Navangi, I’ve built a concept around the realities of modern womanhood, with the knowledge that we often juggle multiple roles in a single day. I wanted to create pieces that seamlessly adapt with you, allowing you to transform your outfit on the go without needing to stop or compromise. For me, this was never about following fast fashion trends or cutting corners. It was about crafting a thoughtful solution – garments that are sculpting, comfortable, and contour the body, all while upholding the highest standard of quality.  

Manufacturing locally has allowed me to be deeply involved in every step, from the fit and construction to the finer details of a garment that make all the difference. It gave me the control to ensure nothing was rushed, and every decision – from fabric to finish – aligned with my vision. Navangi is a brand built on intention and care, with each piece designed to support women in every facet of their day, without sacrificing quality or comfort.

I’ve always found myself juggling multiple roles, at one point I was studying full-time while working three jobs across completely different industries. I knew early on that I’d continue moving through life in this fast-paced, multifaceted way, and I wanted to create something that supported women like me, instead of waiting for it to exist. 

Working in bridal, I saw how detachable elements allowed brides to seamlessly transition their look, and it inspired me to reimagine that versatility for everyday wear. I wanted to design a wardrobe solution that was adaptable, comfortable, and elevated-allowing women to shift between roles without sacrificing style or quality. 

There are many reasons behind Navangi, but at its core, it’s about helping women do more, feel their best, and simplify their lives. Whether it’s reducing the need to constantly buy new pieces, making travel lighter, or simply giving them the freedom to adapt throughout the day. I knew if anyone was going to bring this concept to life with the level of care and detail it deserved, it had to be me. 

My vision for Navangi goes far beyond creating garments, it’s about standing beside women who expect more from life and from themselves. I want Navangi to reflect the reality of modern women: those balancing careers, families, personal growth, and ambitions without ever having to sacrifice comfort, confidence, or style. 

Too often, society penalises women for doing it all – qualities like ambition, confidence, and strength are celebrated in men, but used to diminish women. Navangi exists to challenge that. I want this brand to recognise, support, and celebrate the unseen labour and adaptability women show every day – not as “too much,” but as powerful. 

Through thoughtful, versatile design and genuine conversations, my goal is to be a constant source of support, no matter what stage of life a woman is in.

A Navangi body suit and detachable sleeves. Image provided.

As the world shifts, I’m committed to listening, learning, and adapting to ensure Navangi evolves alongside the women who wear our garments, whether that’s helping them do more, or simply standing strong where they are. It’s not just about clothing; it’s about creating a movement that reminds women they’re capable, deserving, and never need to shrink themselves. 

For me, ethical manufacturing was never a question-it’s non-negotiable. I believe the people behind a product are just as important as the product itself. Fair treatment, respect, and safe working conditions aren’t optional; they’re fundamental to the integrity of any brand. During my research, I encountered too many examples of questionable labour practices, which only reinforced my commitment. Manufacturing locally allows me to maintain transparency, uphold high standards, and ensure that every part of the process aligns with my values. 

Behind the scenes at Navangi. Image provided. 

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced has been finding the right people to work with – whether it’s suppliers or manufacturers. The wrong partnerships can set you back significantly, so aligning with those who genuinely support your vision and values is crucial.

Thankfully, my experience in both sales and psychology taught me the importance of doing the groundwork – researching thoroughly, asking the right questions, and filtering through options to find the right fit. I leaned on my network, stayed persistent, and learned to trust those few key people who truly understood and believed in what I’m building. It’s something I’ll continuously work on as the business grows, but knowing the power of strong relationships has been invaluable.

One milestone I’m particularly proud of is how seamlessly I was able to bring my concept to life. Also, creating a bodysuit that balances comfort, support, and contouring without compromising any of these elements. It was important to me that each piece not only looks elegant but also feels effortless to wear. I’m especially proud of the quality I’ve achieved, ensuring that every detail reflects the high standard I envisioned from the start.

I wanted to ensure that everything I stand for is backed by action, not just words. Getting accredited by Ethical Clothing Australia was an important step in holding myself and my brand accountable. It reinforces my commitment to ethical practices and gives customers the confidence that Navangi genuinely upholds the values we promote.