Designers search for hope, revival and a new identity in their latest collections, while embracing informed pricing
Designers search for hope, revival and a new identity in their latest collections, while embracing informed pricing
Things can change overnight, let alone two years. Amit Agarwal’s latest collection, Supernova, is targeted at people who have emerged from the pandemic. Aggarwal, 44, says, “We are moving towards a new world.” I have seen people around me change. He has accepted that there is a struggle. But in the midst of those challenges, how do you still rejoice? How do you still keep evolving?”
It’s the spirit of joy that lights up their Summer ’22 line. They have used three different color stories – bright pink, bright green, and shimmering monochromes such as pewter, grey, silver, and mica. “The brand has never seen so many shades in one collection,” he shares. “It was a huge challenge and a risk to move away from our traditional palette of jewel tones or neutrals. But people are liking it. This is summer wear, so there are so many occasions, be it a wedding or an everyday celebration. ,
Amit Agarwal
film flexibility
Agarwal’s own views on showing fashion have also changed dramatically over the pandemic. He now prefers digital shows and movies. She deliberately decided not to be a part of the recent FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week because “posing on a traditional runway feels a little off”, he says. “I would never come close to what I imagined about the clothing and the setting. Movies help me get closer to the way I imagine and present clothing.”
In the last two years, he has made several 10-minute films. Currently, she is busy creating one for her next big collection for Couture Week.
fluid gender norms
This Delhi-based designer has been talking about human evolution from last Couture Week – “How your combination with the world has made you a more ‘super’ version of yourself”. He links the idea of self-evolution to the phenomenon of supernovae (when a star dies, it explodes, releasing an impossible amount of energy). “We all came to a point where we breathed our last, and yet we fully accepted ourselves, accepted that each of us had a uniqueness, and that we were our individual personalities. Let’s shine with that hope.”
supernova
The 50-piece collection, which includes menswear and womenswear, luxury pret and classic brand pieces, is developed around the star. Expect draped dress, lehengas With structured blouses, and with modern sarees, plais, tuxedos, waistcoats, and shirt With draped pants.
As the collection becomes gender fluid, Agarwal says he hopes the concept doesn’t go down the road of sustainability — a trending word without any sense. “I think gender fluidity as an idea is created by the system. I don’t see such individuals. I never separate a man from a woman,” he says. “I myself belong to the LGBT community. I make clothes and it’s something a man or a woman likes to wear; I will never control that.”
retail after the pandemic
They say the changed dynamics of retail in the post-pandemic are real. But the only change they’ve made is defining the collection concisely, making conscious decisions on how many styles to sample, and a clear idea of how to take it forward. He opened a flagship store in Mumbai amid the pandemic, so “I think we’re on the right track.” What he is working on is his complete understanding of the clients. “How do you give them a product that’s elevated, but isn’t overly designed or produced?”
Craft vs. Technique
Supernova’s designs may sound futuristic — multicolored fabrics made by hand-woven polymers with hand-embroidered recycled rubber cords — but Agarwal insists that no technology goes into its creation. “It’s just that we use ingredients that are not traditional. And because it changes the visual language, it can look like it’s made with a machine.” But that doesn’t discount future technology. If used sensibly, something like 3D printing is by design definition. that cannot be achieved by hand. “A mixture of both is something that will excite me. But it will never be devoid of human touch. Considering that our country is one of those few in the world. One that boasts of such a history of craftsmanship, it is something I will never give up.”
Informed pricing is key. There may be times when it creates exclusive pieces that cross that mark, but “overall, I think, it’s understanding the dynamics of the lower consumer, and the fact that they’re more conscious than before.” are going to spend”.
What about tying up with corporate partners (like designers Tarun Tahiliani or Rahul Mishra have done)? “I’ll keep it a little gray [for now],” he says, explaining that his experimental designs have paid off in the long run. “Until the right partner comes along who understands how a brand’s exclusivity can become a big USP, I’m comfortable being with someone. doesn’t feel.”
Available online and at flagship stores in Delhi and Mumbai. Pret Collection is priced at Rs. 18,500 to 58,000, and Clothing Collection Rs. 85,000 to 2,85,000.