I would like to call this collection , even at the risk of sounding trite , “ Ivory Coast and the Art of Zen “ .
It encompasses what I cherish most – a simplistic yet impactful way of being .
In one word “cool” .
The idea of controlling balance in a composition via irregularity and asymmetry is a central tenet of the Zen aesthetic along with the following principles , all of which we have tried to embody in our work .
Fukinsei : Asymmetry or irregularity.
Kanso : Simplicity or elimination of clutter. Things are expressed in a plain, simple, natural manner.
Shibui/Shibumi : Beautiful by being understated, or by being precisely what it was meant to be and not elaborated upon. Direct and simple way, without being flashy. Elegant simplicity. The term is sometimes used today to describe something cool but beautifully minimalist .
Shizen : Naturalness.
Seijaku :Tranquility or an energized calm
Datsuzoku : Freedom from habit or formula. Escape from daily routine or the ordinary. Unworldly. Transcending the conventional.
Easy breezy diaphanous chanderis are embroidered in ebony and interpreted in various avatars of the cape and paired with black jersey pants. This perfect fit of sheer and solid , for me represents the Yin and the Yang . The feminine with the masculine , in supreme harmony with the Universe .
Flared pants , drop crotch pants , dhoti pants , layered pants , cascade pants also combine with jersey asymmetrical capes , tunics and waterfall jackets which are tie and dyed or bleached to form a rust like pattern of a wheel which can be interpreted as the chakra of life or infinity …….
In essence , it’s a collection that lets you be who you want to be and yet lifts you out of the realm of the ordinary into the extraordinary .
Poonam Bhagat