Conceptual & Avant-Garde Styling in Mumbai
Pushing visual boundaries through costume design for campaigns, films, and editorials.
This piece for ABP Studios explores identity by merging male and female aesthetics. The costume design is split down the middle, contrasting a traditional Indian necklace and delicate lace with a sharp mustache and cropped hair.
The other half of the conceptual diptych, this image uses a stark black background to highlight the masculine elements. The design features a dark, structured garment and traditional male Indian jewelry, like the nose ring, to complete the story of duality.
A high-impact visual created for an ABP Studios campaign. The performers are styled in minimalist drapes to serve as human canvases, allowing the vibrant red powder to become the main costume element, symbolizing raw energy and expression.
A black and white portrait from a 'Great Gatsby' inspired photoshoot. I styled this look to capture the essence of the 1920s, focusing on key elements like the feathered headgear, long gloves, and smoky makeup to create a timeless, vintage feel.
About Conceptual & Avant-Garde Styling
When you step into the world of avant-garde styling, we move beyond simple clothing. It is about technical execution—like fabric aging, prosthetics integration, or monochromatic palettes—that turns a model into a character. Let’s talk about your vision; whether it is a specific period piece or a high-concept editorial, I handle the sourcing and on-set detailing to make sure the final frame matches your script perfectly.
Conceptual styling is where narrative meets raw visual impact. It is not just about fashion; it is about deconstructing a character and rebuilding them through textiles, textures, and silhouettes. My approach to avant-garde projects often involves rigorous pre-production—mood boarding, fabric stress-testing, and collaboration with the director to ensure every element serves the larger story.
For example, in recent projects like the ABP Studios campaigns, we utilized gender-fluid aesthetics and extreme color blocks to convey raw human energy. This required not just sourcing, but specialized garment modification. We often dye, distress, or reconstruct fabric to achieve that specific worn-in look, or conversely, source high-concept pieces that create a stark visual hierarchy on camera.
Working on such projects in Mumbai requires a mix of creative freedom and strict logistics. I manage the entire department—from the first sketch to the final return of rental assets post-shoot. My team and I handle the end-to-end process:
- Character Construction: We do not just shop; we modify. This includes fabric aging, dyeing, and texturing to ensure the costumes look authentic under studio lighting.
- Avant-Garde Execution: Whether it is 1920s period accuracy or abstract, monochromatic visual storytelling, we handle the nuances of the era or concept.
- On-Set Continuity: A 10-12 hour standby is standard for these shoots to manage ironing, pinning, and rapid changes between complex looks.
If you have a concept that feels too bold for a standard shoot, that is exactly the kind of project I thrive on. Let us connect to break down your script and build a visual language that fits your frame.
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