Growing up, my wardrobe never seemed to align with the trends. My younger self, obsessed with YouTube haul videos of the 2010s, felt entirely disconnected from the reality of South Asian fashion. It wasn’t until I grew older that I learned to embrace the best of both my homes - the digital world with its fleeting trends and the tangible world with its heritage craft - that was around me. Still, it remains rare to find narratives that merge these realms seamlessly.
Most brands I’ve encountered have hyperlocal influences - a true necessity in this day and age, where sameness reigns supreme (hint hint: straight jeans and black tops). But when the lead about the South Asian-rooted brand Absent Findings arrived in my inbox, I was intrigued to discover a label that marries minimalist sophistication with avant-garde rebellion - almost seemingly extreme schools of thought - all while weaving personal and south asian cultural stories into its designs and yet is global in its appeal. Think barrel jeans with pleated details, sweatshirts with 80s georgette saree-inspired floral prints, and a carry-it-all tote bag with pleated details.
Absent Findings, helmed by Shivin Singh, is a brand that does more than create fashion. It builds a narrative. At its core, the brand exudes understated elegance: clean lines, cohesive palettes, and meticulous tailoring. Yet, what sets it apart is its spirit of experimentation. Shivin’s designs challenge traditional boundaries with deconstructed silhouettes, bold asymmetry, and unexpected details. Each garment invites you to explore the tension between absence and presence, tradition and modernity, restraint and rebellion.
The brand’s debut collection, My Personal References, epitomizes this ethos. It is a study in contrasts - heritage woven with contemporary sensibilities. Each piece is deeply personal, incorporating recreated prints from the saris of Shivin’s mother and grandmother or inspired by South Asian attire in some form or way. By blending these heirloom fabrics with unique silhouettes, the collection tells a story that is both personal and universal. A standout look from the collection features a one-of-a-kind silk sari blouse crafted from an heirloom fabric paired with their cummerbund black fresh wool trousers. The ensemble captures the essence of Absent Findings: a celebration of duality, where tradition becomes the canvas for innovation.
Shivin’s creative journey spans continents — from his Indian heritage to time spent in Dubai, America, and Italy. These experiences inform the brand’s eclectic yet cohesive aesthetic. Collaboration is central to the process, according to their social media, with Shivin often working alongside Dario, an Italian craftsman whose expertise brings another dimension to the designs. Together, they create pieces that honour their diverse backgrounds while pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be.
Sustainability is another pillar of Absent Findings. The brand incorporates deadstock fabrics, breathing new life into high-quality materials that might otherwise go to waste. At least 40% of each collection uses these surplus textiles, blending mindful production with inspired storytelling. Some other designs replicate old sari fabrics, adding a layer of personal history and cultural preservation to the garments.
Absent Findings’ mission goes beyond crafting clothes; it’s about crafting experiences. The brand invites wearers to embark on a journey of self-expression and discovery. As Shivin eloquently said in their brand book, “Absent Findings are those moments when you’re expected to be somewhere, doing something specific, but instead, you choose to be elsewhere — immersed in experiences that deeply resonate with your inner self. These moments fuel the creative soul; these moments are Absent Findings.”
The brand’s ideal customers are those seeking to shop from brands that offer much more than a label; it’s a philosophy. The pieces are catered to those who are introspective yet rebellious and seek fashion that resonates on a personal level. They value quality over quantity, authenticity over trends, and creativity over conformity. By drawing inspiration from art, culture, and personal narratives, the brand creates garments that are both timeless and forward-thinking. Their limited production runs to ensure exclusivity, appealing to those who value originality and craftsmanship.
For anyone seeking fashion that challenges conventions while honouring heritage, Absent Findings offers a refreshing perspective. As I reflect on my own evolving relationship with fashion with the story of this brand in sight, I see the likes of Absent Findings being a vital bridge between the past and the future. They remind us that clothing can be more than a trend; it can be a narrative, an exploration, or a discovery. It can be a source of joy and expression. In the spaces between expectation and exploration, where absence gives way to presence, lies the true essence of style.
Follow Absent Findings here.
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