We’ve decided to put our hours of Instagram scrolling to good use by bringing you a weekly round-up of swanky-new fashion and accessory brands that are easy on the eyes and the pocket. Take a look at these new fashion labels.
Abacaxi
We decide the coolness of a label based on its nomenclature and Abacaxi meaning pineapple in Portugese hits the sweet spot. Created by Indian-orign, American designer Sheena Sood, Abacaxi (pronounced, uh-bah-kah-shee) is a mindful-fashion label with off-kilter trendy pieces. Shortlisted for Teen Vogue’s Generation Next Program, the designer launched her maiden collection in midst of the pandemic last year and since then has garnered much media attention and excitement. The designer draws from her roots, diverse travels and knowledge of indeginous textiles to a collection that packs a punch (fruit references are heavy in terms of colour and motifs). Manufactured by hand in New Delhi, her capsule collection uses vintage embroideries from Rajasthan on natural fibers – cotton khadi, linen, silk, and alpaca in saturated colours for a younger audience.
Roma Narsinghani x NASO Profumi
The pandemic is definitely rejigging our definition of must-have accessories. From designer masks and stylish mask chains, we now have our eyes on a necklace with a built-in sanitiser pod as our next purchase. This functional piece has been created by artisanal jewellery designer, Roma Narsinghani in collaboration with bespoke perfume brand, NASO Profumi. Titled, Trana, the collection is inspired by the attar pouches from the 6th century Mughal era and are made using recycled brass. Eclectic motifs on brass with embedded glass vessel/pod that can be refilled with NASO perfume or a sanitiser, and is attached to a pendant or keychain. Other must-haves from the Mumbai-based designer include geometric brass hair bun covers and gold-plated bindis.
Dhami London
Rajasthan the eternal design muse when it comes to design serves as the mood board for luxe shoe brand Dhami London. The brainchild of ex-banker and a Polio survivor, Priyanka Dhami who started the brand in a bid to create a product that is comfortable yet stylish. Fuschia pinks, electric blues, bold yellows and oranges with Swarovski and gold embellishments all take form on three heel-sizes that are designed for long wear. Available in various stores in UAE and online as well.
Wicker Weaves
In 2021 we are graduating from straw to wicker as our material of choice when it comes to stylish, fibre bags. Alluding to winter picnics in the park is the line of 100% vegan cruelty free bags from Wicker Weaves. The brainchild of interior designer Niyati Shah (Quilt Avenue) and accessory designer Tanvi Shah Jain (TSJ), the Cancun collection easily blends elements of furniture with fashion. The designs use faux leather, beadwork, shells and kardana embroidery in a modern and minimalistic manner. Favoured heavily by fashion influencers like Masoom Minawala and Summiyya from House of Misu.
Kapardara
In the olden days women would painstakingly paint (and even embroider) their own organza saris as a part of their trousseau or collections. These quaint pastel beauties would then be passed on from one generation to another. Borrowing from this rich tradition is Kapardara, a Jaipur-based brand started by sister duo Sneha and Geetanshu Shekhawat. Celebrating the indeginous flora and fauna, their first collection ‘The Calm’ paints motifs like tigers, birds, bamboo etc onto a luxurious pastel palette for a dreamy drape. Employing local artisans, each sari is unique because of the human element and use of traditional printing blocks that distinguishes it from the other factory produced prints.
Akshita Nahar Jain
Sr Associate Editor
Akshita Nahar Jain has worked with various publications, including Elle, Harper’s Bazaar Bride, and Time Out Delhi, and written extensively on fashion and lifestyle. A sucker for alliteration and stylish sitcoms, she enjoys scrolling the web for less travelled destinations.
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