Forget being classy, sophisticated, edgy, or minimalist, some days simply call for colour. Those days when you feel happy inside out, and want to add a pop of shade to your style statement, that’s when Advait’s collections often come to the rescue. Deeply rooted in the world of fine art, the brand is known for transforming original paintings into striking, wearable pieces through diverse techniques. The latest in line is Kaia, a collection heavily inspired by the ocean. And if water fascinates you, this one is bound to catch your eye.
Designer Advaitha Ravishankar explains, “The name itself means ‘from the sea,’ and the collection draws inspiration from the mystical depths of coral reefs, a world full of movement, texture, and vibrant life.” She shares that they were deeply influenced by the abstract fluidity of Helen Frankenthaler’s paintings, particularly her soak-stain technique, which evokes the dreamlike feeling of being underwater. “Kaia captures natural elements like mangroves, waves, jellyfish, oysters, and reefs, all translated into expressive, emotive prints. It’s our way of celebrating the wild, organic beauty of marine life,” she adds.
Discussing the materials she used to bring the collection to life, she mentions, “We’ve consciously chosen lightweight, sustainable fabrics like Bemberg cotton and satin, both of which allow the fluidity of the prints to breathe and flow beautifully.” The colour palette is a blend of deep sea blues, reef-inspired purples, kelp greens, soft coral pinks, and muted pearl whites. It is worth noting that these shades are all layered in soft gradients or bold contrasts.
Describing a design element, the designer tells us, “One of the standout features is our custom-developed prints, made using scans of hand-painted artworks. These designs echo the movement of water, the shimmer of jellyfish, and the texture of underwater flora.” The designer made sure that the silhouettes are free-flowing, soft, and breathable. Moreover, other elements, such as ruching, ruffles, and asymmetry, not only mimic the natural forms of the ocean but also add interesting twists to the collection.
Kaia includes breezy dresses, co-ord sets, layered separates, and flowy maxis, all designed to move with the body. The collection is versatile and perfect for vacations, brunches, getaways, gallery visits, or even evening outings by the sea. Advaitha suggests, “Certain pieces can be dressed up with heels and jewellery, while others can be thrown on barefoot with wet hair post-swim.”
When asked about the manufacturing process, Advaitha shares that they have a dedicated team of skilled artisans who handle stitching and tailoring, and another team that specialises in hand embroidery and surface detailing. “Our artisans are deeply involved in the process, not just in execution but also creatively; their perspectives are an integral part of our design conversations,” she adds. They believe in a collaborative studio environment where craftsmanship and design go hand-in-hand.
Prices start at Rs 8,500.
Available online.
Mail ID: sakshisuresh.k@newindianexpress.com
Twitter: @kaithwas_sakshi
For more updates, join/follow our WhatsApp, Telegram and YouTube channels.