The talented upcoming designer talks with Republica about his inspiration for the latest pre-spring collection, the workforce behind it, and how it’s high time to comprehend that true fashion transcends time.[break]
Finding a subject for a poem takes more time than writing it. Before designing a collection, I’m always on the hunt for a subject.
For pre-spring 2012, I found inspiration in the way French women dress. Catherine Deneuve in the 1967 movie ‘Belle de Jour’ in particular provided me with the archetype.
She was dressed for one of the most iconic roles in cinematic history by life-long friend and collaborator, the late Yves Saint Laurent. I had seen the original costumes up-close in an exhibition dedicated to the legendary designer at the Grand Palais in Paris. And I was struck by how fresh, modern they still looked.
How timeless! Timeless, that’s the word that best describes the collection and the essence of ASTIK DESIGNS in general. My first retail space in Lazimpat, and in a way the entire trajectory of my clothing line would be launched with this collection. So I had to make sure that I got the codes right at the start.
My team, comprising two seamstresses and an assistant, worked slowly and meticulously to put together a collection that was refined and tasteful.
I took time finding the finest fabrics available in town and restoring them, as some of them had gathered dust in the attics of New Road.
Being a firm believer in quality and craftsmanship, I didn’t allow a single crease or blemish in the fabric to pass unnoticed and paid the same amount of attention to every stitch and detail in the construction of the samples.
Stitch by stitch, the collection came together. I wanted the clothes to look pure and pristine, as well as subdued and sober; so there are a lot of white and mute colors in the palette and black, of course.
I chose to revive classic items from a woman’s wardrobe rather than dabble in experimental flash-of-a-pan designs.
It’s been awhile since I’ve seen a lady dressed smartly in a tailored skirt-suit ensemble replete with silk blouse and gloves.
Connoisseurs of luxury are bound to notice the personal touch I’ve given to each of the twelve looks in this collection. They are subtle and virtually unrecognizable to the untrained eye. It’s in the cut of the collars, the volume of the sleeves and the hemming of the cuffs.
To me, that kind of special attention to detail represents true luxury. Loud and over-the-top fashion can only become a passing fad or trend.
In the current global economic climate, it’s not just customers who must practice temperance.
Designers, too, need to exercise restraint and create pieces that are wearable and affordable without compromising quality and creativity.
The pieces in this collection are truly investment worthy and will last the wearer a lifetime.
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