Antar-Agni, the visionary brand by Ujjawal Dubey, has redefined contemporary Indian fashion with its innovative designs that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity. Their exquisite signature asymmetrical kurta, for instance, showcases a masterful draping technique. Each piece is a celebration of individuality, reflecting a deep respect for Indian craftsmanship while embracing a fresh, gender-fluid aesthetic. Wearing Antar-Agni feels like stepping into a narrative where every garment tells a story—one that is bold, beautiful, and undeniably unique. It’s not just clothing; it’s an artistic expression that invites everyone to celebrate their personal style! His upcoming collection is a celebration of human complexities. ELLE had the pleasure of discussing his vision and the details of the collection in an exclusive chat.
ELLE: Give us a peek into the name and the inspiration behind your collection.
Ujjawal Dubey: The name Two-Faced is lent from the duality in all of us, the many faces we wear, and the contrast within our being. The collection came to life through introspection, a play on balancing opposites: structure with fluidity, tradition with innovation. A celebration of complexity and the contradictions that make one human, told through three chapters: Render, Wander, and Surrender. Each chapter serves to represent a different aspect of human experience, making Two-faced a reflection of the multifaceted nature of the self.
ELLE: What are the silhouettes, colour palettes, and embellishments that make it different?
Ujjawal Dubey: From sharply structured silhouettes and cuts of pure Western inspiration to the simplicity of the monk and heavy decoration, this collection depicts a striking narrative in shades of charcoal, black, aubergine, and forest green. Metallic accents and tissued fabrics add depth and dimension, creating an optical journey through light and shadow.
ELLE: If you can describe your collection using one song, what will it be?
Ujjawal Dubey: Fearless by Pink Floyd embodies the collection’s boldness and balance, reflecting its mix of structure, fluidity, and confident expression.
ELLE: With so much talk about sustainability around, what is your take on it and the incorporation in your designs?
Ujjawal Dubey: We prefer to describe ourselves as a conscious brand rather than just sustainable. I believe that sustainable can be too broad of a term. From the resources we use to how we treat our employees, we strive to be mindful of the environment and people. This mindset is deeply ingrained in our brand’s DNA.
ELLE: What message do you hope to convey through your designs this season?
Ujjawal Dubey: Our designs aim to encourage pushing boundaries in both what we wear and how we present ourselves. We hope to inspire confidence and creativity, inviting everyone to express their unique style with boldness.
