SUKHDEEP KALSI
What Changed Me?
I lost someone really important to me a couple of years ago, and I think that was the biggest life-altering moment of my life. Their passing was sudden, and it forced me to confront the reality of how fragile life is. It made me realize that life is too short to not follow your dreams, to hold back on what truly matters.
Up until then, I had been playing it safe, waiting for the “right” time to pursue my passion for sustainable fashion. But losing someone so close to me was a wake-up call.
The perfect moment doesn’t exist, and time isn’t guaranteed.
If I wanted to build the life I dreamed of, I had to start now.
That’s when I decided to put my all into my brand, SKALSI. It isn’t just about creating clothing—it is about creating meaning. I wanted to pour my heart into every design, using thrifted and upcycled materials to craft unique, sustainable pieces. Each piece became a reflection of my creativity and a tribute to the lessons I had learned.
Over time, SKALSI became more than a passion project;
it became a platform for growth and opportunity. My work started to gain recognition, opening doors I hadn’t even imagined. One of my most memorable experiences was designing a custom puffer jacket for Toronto Raptors star Scottie Barnes.
Seeing my design on someone who embodies excellence and strength was surreal and validating. Shortly after, I had the chance to create an outfit for Olympian Ayesha Newman, whose resilience and achievements inspired every stitch.
Collaborating with well-known brands like MLSE and Subway has also been a defining aspect of my journey. Each project has pushed my creative boundaries, challenged me to think bigger, and reinforced the idea that pursuing your passion wholeheartedly leads to extraordinary opportunities.
Knowing that my designs resonate with people on a deeper level motivates me to keep refining my craft and striving for more.
One piece I created holds a special place in my portfolio. It’s an outfit made from old ties that belonged to someone who inspired me deeply. The ties, with their array of colors and patterns, reflected so much character and personality. For this design, I carefully deconstructed them and repurposed the material to create something entirely new. This outfit became more than just a garment—it was a meaningful project that allowed me to honor the values and creativity that continue to shape my work.
The journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Grief lingers, but I’ve learned to channel it into my designs, turning loss into creativity and purpose. I wanted SKALSI to stand for more than fashion—to represent individuality, purpose, and the courage to live authentically. Seeing people connect with my work, appreciate its uniqueness, and find inspiration in it has been one of the most rewarding parts of this journey.
Losing someone close to me reshaped how I see the world. It taught me that
life is too precious to waste on fear or hesitation.
Every moment counts, and we owe it to ourselves
to pursue what sets our souls on fire.
Their memory continues to inspire me every day. The lessons they imparted—about hard work, resilience, and living boldly—are values I carry into every aspect of my work. While their absence has been deeply felt, it has also fueled my determination to create a meaningful life and career. Building SKALSI has become a way to honor what matters most: living with purpose, celebrating individuality, and making every moment count.
More designer work at _skalsi
