With a label that laid its foundation in the international market, Abraham and Thakore have been recognised by their straight lines, simple cuts and neat clothing. In their latest collection launched at Atmosphere they are only rearticulating their basic fundamentals of design.
“We have thought along the same straight lines and cuts, but these are clothes you can wear differently,” says designer David Abraham who was present at the launch, sans partner in design, Thakore. They have brought in the sari with a leather belt and a zip-up blouse, or even an overcoat; they have teamed traditional elements with modernity.
India in world eyes
Abraham says that it is interesting how post-recession, everyone is looking at India as the future. “Starting in the international market helped us in a lot of ways; we asked ourselves what design policy was relevant to us,” says David.
The duo has already established a loyal client base abroad and has now begun to focus on their home market. “We have just had our first fashion show over here. The time is right for us to invest all our energy into the Indian market.”
He talks of how they used the Indian in them to stand apart in a circuit that was completely foreign. Being a phenomenon abroad does not negate the Indian-ness of their label or themselves, vouches David.
The two worked with khadi and handlooms, they used traditional textiles and shapes and presented it to the international market. For the two designers it was all about telling their story differently and they cashed in on their cultural identity.
Where you hone your skills and learn the art is immaterial to your development as a designer according to David. “Fashion has become a discipline in the last 10 to 15 years and all the teaching methods have been western. It is the market that defines every designer, because ultimately that's who we are trying to please.”
He also claims that music and cinema are their greatest inspiration, while he maintains those are not their only inspirations. “It starts at different points; sometimes the fabric also inspires us. At other times there might be a concept in one season that is still strong and has more potential,” he says.
In this collection, the two of them have taken traditional Indian concepts, deconstructed it and then assembled something completely new. So while the essence of the outfit has been left intact, they have given it modern tweaks and twists. They have targeted all their designs at the modern, professional woman.
“While the sari is exquisite, nothing has been worked out for all weathers. So we have integrated coats and parkas into the design,” he says while he rubbishes high horsed upholding of the traditional sari, “Tradition is valid only when it is useful.”
