Three’s capsule collection, Monsoon Stripes, is high on comfort and functionality

The irregularities and imperfections of handmade artisanal clothing are something that the New Delhi-based slow fashion brand Three has come to celebrate. It could be in the form of asymmetrical silhouettes or even on the label’s branding tags, but designer Pallavi Dhyani believes that there is something inspiring and beautiful about things that are imperfect. “We love and appreciate asymmetry and imperfection around us, and this translates into design directives for our collections.” With boxy shirts, A-line and straight dresses, broad bottoms and overlays, this four-year-old brand continues its love affair with the imperfect even in their latest collection, Monsoon Stripes. Minimal in its aesthetics and pared down in its choice of monotone colours, the capsule collection uses handspun cotton and features, like its name suggests a varied range of stripes—from pinstripes to thick stripes that almost resemble colours blocks.

Colour within the lines 
“Anticipating a sticky monsoon, we decided to create a collection that was lightweight and used handspun cotton, apart from our usual hand-loomed chanderi and khadi,” Pallavi says. Sticking to the brand’s signature use of neutral hues, the capsule collection introduces just the right amount of colour for a rainy day with hot and cold tones of olive, sky blue and beige. 
While angular cuts and stripes are intrinsic to the line, the fashion graduate from Pearl Academy introduces elements of asymmetry with irregular high slits, high-low hemlines and in the placement of the collection’s leitmotif. For example, consider the multi-stripe triangle dress; besides the uneven hemlines, the stripes around the waistline are placed tangential to the otherwise parallel striped motifs, creating the illusion of a pyramid. 

Pocket it
Placing functionality high on the brand’s agenda, the Monsoon Stripe collection comes equipped with pockets and works perfectly with existing wardrobe staples. “All of us should be able to fit anything from a snack, a phone or a keychain into fashion’s favourite hidden compartments. Yet that is rarely the case in women’s clothing. This collection is high on functionality, has pockets and can be combined with jeans or culottes and worn with a pair of sneakers for a casual look or combined with heels and statement jewellery for an evening outing.” Currently working on another collection for Lakmé Fashion Week, the designer is tight-lipped on what to expect, except that the line is in association with the Digital Empowerment Foundation.

Rs 5,200. Available online.