In India too, fashion collaborations are picking up steam, with some expected and some surprising pairings taking centre stage. The newest partnership to emerge features two brands that at first glance seem like the odd couple, but a closer look at the collection, the values and overall ethos of both brands lead to a classic ‘Ah ha!’ moment.
Lovebirds Studio, founded by partners in design and life, Amrita Khanna and Gursi Singh is known for its clean lines and minimal aesthetic. NorBlack NorWhite, the brainchild of Marita Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar is a bold brand that is no stranger to collaboration, having partnered with Disapora Co and others in recent times. While seemingly different, the creators of both brands have been close friends for many years and often choose ensembles from each others’ collections for special occasions.
In the words of Gursi Singh, the two brands ‘come from strong individual universes that live in the same galaxy but are miles apart’. Despite the obvious differences in brand aesthetics for Lovebirds and NorBlack NorWhite, both brands are more similar than they would appear. Lovebirds and NorBlack NorWhite are both advocates of using local textiles and working with craftsmen across the country. The brands are known for using old school design techniques and possessing a global outlook and clientele while remaining firmly rooted in Indian culture and their collaborative collection is a testament to their values while drawing from both brands’ individual character.
The collection, which is available online on both brand websites and will be available at the Lovebirds store in Mumbai from November 9thfor a limited period of two weeks features co-ord sets, shirt dresses and more. The pieces in the Lovebirds x NorBlack NorWhite line make use of the latter’s bold colour palette while weaving in the former’s recognisable diamond motif in sequins. NorBlack Nor White’s detailed use of textiles merges seamlessly with Lovebirds’ elaborate use of pleats, clean lines and silhouettes. Printing techniques are visible in the use of Lovebirds’ signature dot pattern as well.
Limited edition pieces from the collaboration include splatter dyes crepe separates with graduated pleats, circle dyed separates and a free flowing shirt dress that are an amalgamation of Lovebirds and NorBlack NorWhite’s creative styles.
For more information:
Instagram – instagram.com/lovebirds.studio/
Website- https://lovebirds-studio.com/
Store Address – Wesley Church, 62, BEST Marg, opposite Electric House, Scindia Society, Police Colony, Apollo Bandar, Colaba, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400005
ABOUT THE DESIGNERS
Run independently and collaboratively by Gursi Singh and Amrita Khanna, ‘Lovebirds’ makes clothes for women that focuses on ethos rather than trends and makes quiet, mature acts of norm-breaking, one dress at a time. Functionality, timelessness, modernity and playfulness are the inherent elements that are believed in as a brand and therefore ignite the foundations of each collection.
Drawing inspiration more from architecture, graphic design, vintage fashion and less from the latest runway trends, the brands approach has always been more qualitative rather than quantitative that keeps their garments relevant at all times and seasons. It aims to create garments that adapt to an individual’s personality and marry into their wardrobe, offering something unique, understated, sophisticated and intellectual.
