Our designs are a marriage of artistic integrity and wearability
House of Abiti is an esteemed fashion label that masterfully blends contemporary art with high fashion to create luxurious, avant-garde collections. Drawing inspiration from modern artworks, especially those by Asma Kazi, the label’s designs celebrate the fusion of bold creativity and meticulous craftsmanship, setting a new standard in the world of luxury fashion. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, Founder Moin Kazi discusses the design process, creating wearable art, and reducing carbon footprint.
How are fashion brands addressing the growing consumer demand for transparency in sourcing and production processes?
By providing information about materials, sourcing, and production methods, brands can build trust and credibility with socially conscious consumers. We are committed to transparency and accountability, ensuring that our clientele can make informed choices about the products they purchase and the values they support.
Could you share your perspective on how artificial intelligence and machine learning are shaping the future of fashion design and retail?
AI & ML are revolutionising fashion by providing data-driven insights, personalised experiences, and sustainable solutions e.g. virtual try-on technology. Retail value chain is specially impacted with the advent of this technology, particularly in optimising visual merchandising. We as designers need to evolve ourselves for taking over the fashion metaverse!
What inspired the creation of House of Abiti, and how has its vision evolved since its inception?
House of Abiti was born from my strong belief in the power of fashion inspired by modern art. Our vision has grown to not only create beautiful clothes but also to build a community of self-expression and inclusivity through innovative artwork inspired designs.
How does the company balance the demands of high fashion with the bold expressions found in modern art?
At House of Abiti we believe in blending the boldness of modern art with the elegance of high fashion. Each piece strikes a balance between artistic expression and timeless sophistication, appealing to both fashion-forward and art enthusiasts. A brilliant mix of patterns, layers, colour play, and embroidery go into the crafting a well-balanced masterpiece.
Could you describe the design process at House of Abiti? How do you go from concept to final product?
Our design process is a creative journey that begins with an inspiration and culminates in a beautiful creation. Regarding Prêt wear across our Nuovo collection, the design process begins with crafting Inspiration on a moodboard. It is followed with the Conceptualisation, Fabric selection – Sourcing, Pattern creation with embroidery, Prototyping and Batch production.
For Haute Couture, we adopt Design Thinking approach. A recent example being the outfit we curated for one of the winners of Mr. Gay World India 2024. The inspiration stems from the rich cultural heritage of Madhya Pradesh for the traditional round. The native ‘Gond art’ highlights the elements depicting the theme ‘journey to enlightenment’. A head gear of bedazzling chains adorned with ornamental seashells – completes the ensemble to make heads turn.
What are the key artistic movements that inspire your collections, and how are these reflected in your designs?
Hailing from the design industry, I draw inspiration from artworks in my décor projects. Derivatives of abstract expressionism, fluid art, geometry and floral elements inspire and dictate the Nuovo collection. These influences are seen in our designs through vibrant colours, dynamic shapes, intricate embroidery and playful patterns.
How do you ensure that each piece of clothing maintains a balance between artistic integrity and wearability?
Our designs are a marriage of artistic integrity and wearability – reflecting my commitment to creating wearable art. We meticulously refine each piece, ensuring it not only captivates visually but also offers comfort and practicality for our discerning clientele. Key focus on high quality sustainable fabric and the purpose that the outfit intends to serve helps us strike that perfect balance between form and functionality.
How does House of Abiti stay ahead in the ever-evolving fashion industry?
Just as art is ever evolving, we stay ahead by embracing innovation and staying attuned to emerging trends while remaining true to our artistic vision. This ensures that House of Abiti continues to set the pace in the dynamic landscape of fashion. For instance, we cater to the market insights from the creative industry and apply it to our fashion cohort. The result – staying relevant to the trend with our current SS’24 Nuovo collection featuring the trending ‘Peach Fuzz’ – Pantone colour of the year 2024.
What role does sustainability play in your design and production processes?
Up to 7,800 kilotonnes of textile waste is accumulated in India annually, according to a study ‘Sorting for Circularity; India’ initiated by Fashion for Good. House of Abiti intends to reduce this carbon footprint by promoting circular economy with our limited-edition luxury fashion. With slow fashion production, sustainability for us is creating a culture of preserving for longer use evoking conscious consumerism. Reviving indigenous artworks from tribal, rural and hyperlocal India into luxury fashion is our mantra for sustainable designs.
How do you curate the experience of your runway shows to reflect both the artistic and fashion-forward elements of your brand?
Personally speaking, curating a runway show is no less than ‘Project Runway’ – a dream that is due for manifestation soon! Curating one will be an immersive experience that blends artistry with high fashion. It will be a themed sensory journey that celebrates all forms of artistry. By seamlessly integrating it with aesthetic elements of high fashion, we aim to cast a lasting impression that inspires fellow designers.
How do you choose the artists, designers or influencers who collaborate with House of Abiti?
Project Milieu at House of Abiti is an in-house springboard platform for budding artists and fellow designers. As a part of this, we collaborate with individuals whether they are established artists, emerging designers, or influential voices in the fashion community. We seek collaborators whose vision aligns with ours. By fostering meaningful partnerships, we enrich our creative process and bring fresh perspectives to our collections, ensuring that House of Abiti remains at the forefront of fashion innovation.
Can you discuss any upcoming projects or collections that you are particularly excited about?
Grazia, Fresco and Luminae are the upcoming themes that are to be released under the Nuovo collection. Grazia exuding elegance in green, white and black; Fresco embodying modernity in beige, purple, and yellow; and Luminae the luminous harbinger of future attires are the themed expressions of this season.
The versatility of this collection drives the excitement. The collection spans over an array of styles, including pret wear for chic airport looks, relaxed resort wear, trail and leisure co-ord sets, and tropical, bright summer hues perfect for festive occasions like cocktail parties, sangeet mujlis, haldi, shaadi, and receptions. In addition to the launched theme ‘Stellare’ (embroidered cosmos), the entire Nuovo collection outfits is a must-have luxury addition to any wedding trousseau.
In what ways do you think fashion serves as a platform for personal expression and individuality?
Fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression, allowing individuals to convey their identity and personality through clothing. It is a medium through which we celebrate diversity, embrace individuality, and express ourselves authentically to the world. As my co-founder Gieve says – ‘Break the mould, wear your story’, we, at House of Abiti, empower you to embrace your unique style and personality and express it through our creative designs.
How can fashion brands balance the need for rapid production with the quality and craftsmanship of their products?
Brands need to streamline strategic production without compromising on quality or craftsmanship. At House of Abiti, we do so by leveraging technology, optimising supply chains and fostering a culture of craftsmanship. This is quintessential to achieve this balance.
How do you envision the future of fashion and art intertwining?
I envision a future where fashion and art seamlessly converge, blurring traditional boundaries and inspiring endless creativity. This symbiotic relationship will continue to shape the way we perceive and interact with both industries, fostering new forms of self-expression and cultural dialogue. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can create a more vibrant and inclusive fashion landscape that celebrates the intersection of art and style.
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