Four. Everything that humanity can define fits neatly in a four-sided box. Four physical elements. Four seasons. Four directions. To the contrary, a circle symbolises oneness. A spiritual realm that is infinite and whole. The emblem of natural balance. FourInAO is an attempt to question the boxes we are placed in. An avant grade label creating with the intention to push the bounds of societal boxes of perception and enhancing the expression of the outliers. Fashion label 4INAO takes an off-kilter route with their clothing. Their brand philosophy and visual language attempt to ‘square the circle’, or read between the lines of absolute truths and human mysteries to then reveal a space for art.
Their latest Fall Winter 2022-23 collection encapsulates this artistic rebellion seamlessly, featuring renditions of the classic linen shirt, which is the oldest preserved garment. The various silhouettes of the shirt, which include a shirt tailored to be a body-hugging dress and a skirt that follows the drape of a shirt, are driven by the pursuit of destruction and reconstruction. 4INAO takes this a step further with their revival of rebellious personalities such as the likes of Amrita Sher-Gil, Sharmila Tagore, Zaha Hadid and Kathleen Hanna on t-shirts that convey their message of infinite non-conformity. The label weaves in concepts of streetwear exclusive to India, that they believe deserves its own context and representation.
Words Nandini Chand
Date 12-01-2023