Shivani Awasty's recent edit, Syren, is an ode to the fearless spirit of women.
Fearless and elegant, with a touch of high-octane glamour, best describes couturier Shivani Awasty's latest collection — Syren. Aptly named after the Greek mythical creatures, 'sirens,' this collection is a celebration of the alluring and fascinating qualities that define a woman.
Established in 2015, Shivani Awasty's eponymous luxury couture and prêt wear label has always aimed at creating contemporary, cutting-edge pieces that showcase delicate detailing, impeccable technique, attentive pizazz, and subtlety that is packed with the 'oomph' factor.
The brand's essence seamlessly translates into the exquisite pieces of Syren as well. Unafraid of experimenting with silhouettes on the edgier side of things, Shivani has designed dresses, lehengas, and gowns with angular cuts, billowing frills, and 20s-style fringes. These designs cater to those who seek to elevate their style while embracing the essence of couture. Every silhouette in the collection exudes the bold and audacious spirit of the modern woman, making Syren a celebration of contemporary elegance and daring fashion. Syren is not just a collection of garments; it is a powerful statement that echoes every woman's unconscious yet potent femininity.
"Syren's inspiration is a woman who is alluring, fascinating and dangerous in some ways. The collection champions vivid romanticism and high-octane glamour, manifesting a woman's unconscious yet powerful sophisticated femininity," shares Shivani, framing her thoughts behind her latest collection.
Drawing inspiration from women who possess an element of danger, Syren epitomizes romanticism and edgy glamour. "We have been inspired by the mythological creatures – Sirens. The all-new SYREN line calls to mind the power of a woman's sensuality, her boundless inner power, and her fearless elegance. It's crafted for the woman who's not afraid of the spotlight, and it does so while keeping craft and design at the forefront. The collection embodies the inner power, fearlessness, elegance, and sensuality of a woman," Shivani reveals, unravelling the inspiration behind this collection.
A former student of the prestigious Central Saint Martin's institution, London, where she concluded her education in fashion design womenswear, Shivani Awasty is one of the most renowned names in the fashion industry today. With design aesthetics, which are a balance of structure and abstraction entwined in subtle English sensibilities, the Shivani Awasty label is a hot favourite with several celebrities, including Malaika Arora, Masoom Minawala, Tapsee Pannu, Sunny Leone, Aditi Rao Hyadri, Mouni Roy, Gauri Khan, and Hansika Motwani.
In addition to her illustrious journey, Shivani Awasty has had the privilege of dressing the renowned English contemporary artist Grayson Perry, a testament to her creative prowess. Having honed her skills at globally acclaimed fashion houses like the House of John Galliano in Paris and Marchesa in New York, Shivani's expertise spans diverse arenas. Under the House of John Galliano, she contributed to their Autumn Winter collections and crafted accessories with unparalleled flair. At Marchesa, her meticulous couture works adorned Hollywood luminaries, including Blake Lively, Eva Longoria, Sarah Hyland, and more. Shivani's fervent ambition revolves around establishing a distinctive global presence in couture and ready-to-wear fashion. Needless to say, ready-to-wear fashion today has hardly ever made heads turn the way Shivani's aesthetics does.
The craftsmanship behind Syren is nothing short of extraordinary. Shivani has meticulously worked with luxurious fabrics like silk tulle and organza, creating a translucent appeal that adds an ethereal quality to each garment. The collection's key focus lies in its bold jewel tones and sharp hues, which create a symphony of colours that mirrors the depth and complexity of a woman's persona.
The designer says that Syren is vastly different from her past work: "The last collection, 'Celestial,' drew inspiration from constellations and celestial objects in the sky. The key focus was the luminous effect and bursts of light created by exploding stars. On the other hand, Syren focuses on the power of a woman's sensuality, her boundless inner power, and her fearless elegance, which is very different from Celestial."
What sets Syren apart is its unapologetic celebration of sensuality and sophistication. The designer says, "The collection stands out with its irresistible blend of alluring romanticism and glamour, celebrating women's intriguing and powerful sophistication. From its bold jewel tones to its exaggerated shapes, Syren encapsulates the essence of feminine allure and bold sophistication." She adds, "Syren is an ocean-inspired range that combines contemporary design with elements of luxury couture, characterized by meticulous detailing and a touch of European sensibilities."
The Syren collection ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 1,30,000 and can be purchased from Pernia's Pop-up Shop & Aza Fashions.