When one thinks of fashion, they think of decorated runways and models in bedazzled clothing. However, there is more to fashion than fancy, flamboyant outfits. Designer Abhishek Shinde, founder and creative director of the label Abhichiq, brings attention to another, often forgotten, aspect of fashion: self-expression.
The menswear label is an ode to homegrown, traditional techniques in fashion, such as hand embroidery and block printing, presented with contemporary silhouettes and styling, making each piece utterly timeless. In a time when monochrome and neutrals have become a trend, Abhichiq does not shy away from colour, rather adding a tasteful sense of brightness with its use of both pastels and bolder colours.
Early Days
Growing up, Abhishek did not indulge in fashion through trends or big brands or labels. Instead, his family had a much more personal approach to fashion. ‘I remember watching my dad dress with care, not just for himself, but for us, too. As kids, we often got our clothes made, not bought. That early experience of wearing something made just for you, with thought and intention, stayed with me.’ The experience of wearing clothing that is so personalized pushed Abhishek to view fashion and style as a form of self-expression. As he spent more time understanding design, he began to pay attention to the clothes people wear and how they wear them, to understand the little choices people make to personalize their outfits.
Abhishek found inspiration in artists who he believed designed with heart; Dries Van Noten, Rajesh Pratap Singh, and Arjun Saluja, whose work conveys emotion and honesty, making it more rooted in reality. As he began to work with craft clusters, the artisans and their way of working also inspired his view of fashion design.
Debut At Fashion Week
Abhishek recently presented his latest collection, CIAO, at Lakmé Fashion Week, as a part of the Gen Next group. The platform, he believes, allowed him to be seen in a manner that had not yet happened otherwise. ‘I have always believed in what I create, even though I know it is super niche. But through Lakmé, I got to share it with a wider audience. It gave me the space to show up and for the work to speak. The energy, the support, the love, it gave Abhichiq the kind of platform it truly needed.’
Ciao
Inspired by Sicily, Abhishek’s latest collection is a whirlwind combination of class and comfort. Having seen the island in the 2017 film Call Me By Your Name, he was instantly moved by the scenery. ‘The colours, the music, the quiet, soft feeling of it all. It introduced me to Sicily… those sunlit streets, old buildings, and that unhurried way of life.’ Wanting to create a line which belonged in that world, Abhishek created CIAO, a collection of travel wear which is at once romantic and easy to wear, and of course, crafted with care.
Abhishek’s sense of nostalgia for what fashion once was shines through in this collection. ‘You will see it in the silhouettes, the fabrics, and in details like embroidery and block prints. There is always a bit of old-world charm.’ Yet, his pieces are not dated; the clean and contemporary styling makes each of his pieces timeless. The modern interpretation of classic and traditional techniques, such as the rustic hand-block prints or the old tile-inspired hand embroidery, lends itself to a collection that retains old-world charm while still providing a sense of novelty.
His favourite piece from the collection is a gorgeous shirt inspired by the Sicilian sky. Made using ikat techniques, the Sicilian Sky Shirt is detailed yet lightweight. ‘I keep going back to it because it feels personal, like a little piece of travel sewn into cloth.’
Words Ayushie Shahane
Date 3-11-2025