As a fashion journalist, I can’t endorse my personal favourites blatantly. The nature of my job warrants some neutrality while talking about designers, yet my sincere reverence for Amit Aggarwal is no secret. He’s a master of his trade, and it shows. Celebrated for his smart usage of unconventional materials in clothing that actually looks like ‘clothing’ and not a mere art project is a marker of his discerning artistic prudence. As he gears up for the showcase of his new collection ‘ANTEVORTA,’ we caught up with Amit Aggarwal as dissected all things couture, emotions and deterrence to cater to trends.
ELLE: Having dabbled into both couture and pret, what according to you makes couture relevant in this day and age?
Amit Aggarwal: Couture remains relevant today because it embodies artistry and craftsmanship that transcend trends. It offers a unique expression of individuality and creativity, allowing designers to push boundaries and explore innovative techniques. Couture indeed has a unique ability to capture and celebrate the essence of who you are, especially during special occasions or milestones in life.
Whether it’s a wedding, a significant anniversary, or any other momentous event, couture can reflect your truest self through its craftsmanship, design, and the emotions it evokes. It’s wonderful to cherish and honour those special days with something as personal and expressive as couture. Additionally, couture fosters a personal connection with consumers, making each garment a bespoke experience that reflects their identity and aspirations.
ELLE: Kindly give us a peek into the name and the inspiration of your collection.
Amit Aggarwal: Our brand’s narrative revolves around celebrating the relationship with time as a guiding force. This has been very evident in the unconventional collection names we have had in the past that evoke emotions and contemplation. The ethos focuses on timeless designs, meticulous craftsmanship, and a vision that respects the past while innovating for the future. Overall, our brand aims to create a meaningful connection with customers through garments that embody a deep understanding of the significance of time. Hence ‘ANTEVORTA’ is our new couture line.
Named after the Roman goddess associated with the future, specifically with looking ahead and foreseeing what is to come. Time is an enigmatic force behind this collection. Indefinable, incomprehensible, and intangible, we drew inspiration from the smallest elements that shape our existence. This collection blends philosophical, mythological, religious, scientific, and cosmological ideas, creating a unique vocabulary for the brand. With ANTEVORTA, we delve into the profound relationship between time and the universe, emphasising that nothing exists independently of it.
ELLE: What are the silhouettes, colour palettes and embellishments utilised?
Amit Aggarwal: ANTEVORTA will explore the concept of ‘Time’ from the perspective of five distinct identities, outlining perspectives from five schools of thought parallel to the fundamental concepts of time. ANTEVORTA embraces theatricality, where garments shimmer with starlight through intricate crystal detailing, transforming the runway into a celestial spectacle. Our designs intricately reflect the flow of time, reinterpreting age-old textiles like Banarasi along with hand-embroidered tessellations and elevated techniques, enhancing the dramatic essence of our new couture line.
ELLE: If pieces from your new collection were to be styled in an iconic Bollywood movie, which one would it be and why?
Amit Aggarwal: You know we don’t do normal…we defy expectations and ANTEVORTA isn’t about Bollywood trends; it’s about standing apart. Embracing the extraordinary is our ethos because we thrive on pushing boundaries and creating something truly exceptional.
