Why am I, an art critic and perfumer, extending my creativity towards bespoke garments?

As I am now based in India, shopping for well fitting clothes has been an expensive and traumatic affair. Over the last three years that I have been shopping for trousers, skirts, tops or jackets, I have had to either return them or alter them myself. I tried several times to get local tailors to make adjustments but results have been so unreliable that I keep returning back to my hand-stitching. It's come to a point that I am studiously researching vintage styles, textiles and techniques involved in sewing the iconic Chanel jacket by hand, or drawing clean cuts like Issey Miyake. What's truly incredible is how far the public has shifted away from fast fashion. Across social media, are examples of so many women designing and sewing their own clothes, it is truly inspiring. 


Decisive Garments

Where are all the dignified silhouettes available for introverted women such as myself who are now entering their forties? Where are the quietly luxurious clothes for women who like colour and design compositions to be visually harmonious to the eye? Since 2022, I took to wearing my indigo-dyed made-in-Japan kendo-gi as a jacket everywhere outside of my Kendo practice. Structured but loose, comfortable, yet never frumpy, this refined form is my starting point. I am currently sourcing new and vintage kendo-gi from Japan to adapt, refurbish, and embellish with Indian materials. Each jacket will be transformed into a unique work of wearable art. These will be available on a pre-order basis in S, M, and L.

In parallel, I will be working with a traditional indigo dye workshop to source quality India-made textiles such twill and tweed, to develop refined patterns, lend them a rich dye in the process, and offer made-to-measure bespoke clothing.