Zoya Handa

About the Project — Prawn Stars by Zoya Handa

Prawn Stars is a quirky, bold, and proudly cheeky brand concept—created as a vibrant tribute to Maharashtra’s legendary fisherfolk, the Koli community. Rooted deeply in Koli heritage, the project celebrates their timeless connection to the sea, their spirited festivals, their rich culinary traditions, and their unmistakable cultural energy.

Zoya reimagines the Koli identity for a new generation, creating a platform that preserves and elevates their lived heritage—the market women, the seafaring men, and their generational knowledge—while making it relatable, exciting, and culturally respectful.

Design Approach

Zoya’s visual direction for Prawn Stars is a powerful, intentional homage to the bold world of Koli culture. Inspired by their iconic festivals and colourful traditional attire, she transformed these cultural elements into the brand’s central visual language.

Moving away from muted neutrals, she chose a highly saturated palette of strong primary and secondary hues—vibrant, unapologetic colours that echo the electric energy of coastal life. It’s not just a palette; it’s an entire attitude.

The final aesthetic is retro-inspired, playful, and energetic, shaping a brand personality that feels informal, welcoming, and irresistibly fun. Zoya’s goal: to create a restaurant identity that doesn’t take itself too seriously—but serves flavours that absolutely do.

Designed for a younger, modern audience, the identity promises a seafood experience that’s bold, memorable, and deeply rooted in the cultural authenticity of the Koli community.