THE FINAL DRAFT_compressed

[VOL. 4] [ISSUE 305] feb / MAR 25’

editors

Shashank Chhetri

Hi I’m Shanky, a 19 years old deeply passionate about fashion, and someone who believes that creativity knows no limits. Every page of this issue reflects not just trends, but stories—of self-expression, innovation, and the everevolving dialogue between culture and style.

Curating and creating this spread has been an incredible journey. From conceptualising ideas to capturing moments through the lens, every article and photograph is a piece of my vision brought to life. Fashion, to me, is more than just clothing—it’s a language, and this issue speaks boldly.

I’ve poured my heart into every detail, hoping to inspire and challenge how you see the world around you. It’s been an exciting ride, and I can’t wait for you to experience it. Here’s to pushing boundaries and embracing the beauty of expression—one page at a time.

Tejas Mehta

I’m a fashion writer with a keen eye for cultural shifts, blending investigative depth with compelling storytelling. Passionate about streetwear, sustainability, and branding, I explore how fashion intersects with identity, business, and society. My work is shaped by hands-on research, from interviewing industry insiders to analyzing consumer behavior out in the field.

I attempt to dissect trends with nuance, questioning the forces driving them rather than just reporting on them. I believe fashion is more than aesthetics—it’s a narrative, a movement, and a reflection of its time. My writing brings fresh perspectives to the ever evolving fashion scene, whether through in-depth articles, critique-driven essays, or visual storytelling.

Constantly refining his craft, I thrive on discourse, challenges conventions, and seeks to bridge the gap between global influences and local sensibilities. Always questioning, always adapting.

editors page

maahee sood

Creativity, chaos, and storytelling—that’s me in a nutshell. I’ve always loved curating something from scratch, bringing scattered thoughts to life. Wild Within wasn’t just a theme; it reflected how I approach life—finding beauty in the unexpected and embracing challenges head-on.

I thrive in fast-paced environments, which is why the shoot—despite its chaos—felt exhilarating. Problemsolving on the spot excites me, whether it’s a styling fix, a lighting failure, or an emergency feather-removal mishap (sorry, Niyaz!). This experience only reinforced what I’ve always known—I belong in the world of editorial storytelling.

Special thanks to Niyaz Bhat for his passionate portrayal and Ayush Dixit for his invaluable assistance.

arshia sabharwal

I’ve always believed fashion isn’t just about what we wear—it’s about where it takes us. It’s where fabric melts into fantasy, silhouettes dissolve into stories, and the ordinary gets left at the door.

Think kaleidoscopic chaos meets hypnotic harmony. It’s strange, it’s fluid, it’s beautifully untamed—just the way I like it.

So, buckle up, step in, and let this issue pull you into a dreamscape where fashion isn’t worn—it’s felt.

See you on the other side.

A FUTURISTIC hERITAGE

By Shashank chhetri

Between lines

and

seams, stories unfold.

Cyberpunk has always been about contrast—organic bodies enhanced by synthetic tech, ancient traditions overshadowed by AI overlords, the soft glow of neon against the hard edges of dystopia. But why has the genre always been so… Eurocentric? Why is the cybernetic dream always dressed in black PVC, when it could be swathed in luminous Benarasi brocade? This isn’t just aesthetic— it’s commentary. Because if cyberpunk has taught us anything, it’s that the future is layered with the echoes of the past. And here, the past refuses to be deleted. It thrives, it shapeshifts, it adapts.

Enter the rebellion. A Futuristic Heritage takes the brutalist silhouettes of Rick Owens, the punk engineering of Junya Watanabe, and the glitchy, iridescent energy of Y3K aesthetics and feeds them through a South Asian filter.

DRAPING THE future

THE FUTURE wears a bindi

Forget everything you thought you knew about the future. It isn’t sterile, monochrome, or trapped in the same recycled cyberpunk tropes. It isn’t just neon reflections on rain-slicked streets. It’s embroidered, encrypted, and unapologetically Desi. A Futuristic Heritage doesn’t just predict where we’re going—it proves we’ve always been ahead. The silk you dismissed as old-world? It’s already evolved into armour. The traditions you thought would fade? They’ve been hacked into the mainframe. This isn’t a remix; this is a takeover. Because no matter how futuristic we get, some things—like fashion, like heritage, like the taste of cardamom-laced tea—are too iconic to be lost in translation. The future is here, and it wears a bindi.

A requiem for the old world, a manifesto for the new, Goth Futura

Fashion often acts as a prism, refracting society’s hopes, anxieties, aspirations, and ever-shifting zeitgeist into a tangible form. Today, that prism is fractured, splintering into distorted, yet mesmerising, visions of a future, where grit and elegance collide. Goth Futura consummates this marriage between gothic sensibilities and a sharp, forward-thinking edge. It is a eulogy for the past, a lament for a world left behind, and an ode to the unknown that lies ahead.

The rise of this stylistic movement has been impossible to ignore. From Rick Owens’ sculptural dystopia to Balenciaga’s cyber-infused grunge, designers are shifting away from idealised beauty towards a raw, unfiltered aesthetic. Designers like Demna, heading the aforementioned Spanish design house and Vetements, and Pharell Williams from Louis Vuitton, envision a future laden with dark, apocalyptic overtones, redefining the relationship between rebellion and refinement.India, too, has its own pioneers shaping this aesthetic, blending heritage craftsmanship with an avantgarde, almost cybernetic sensibility. Rimzim Dadu, known for her metal-infused textiles, transforms traditional techniques into something almost biomechanical. Rajesh Pratap Singh, with his stark, structured tailoring and affinity for metallic finishes, creates garments that feel both utilitarian and hauntingly futuristic, bridging the gap between sartorial precision and dystopian storytelling. Then there is Bloni, with Akshat Bansal at the helm, a young label finding its feet redefining sustainability while toeing this balance between Indian heritage and an almost post-human dream. The traditional rose-tinted lens of fashion is fading, giving way to an identity that is unapologetically real, stripped of pretence, and charged with subversive intent.

The influence of this lexicon is not limited to runways, it has been meticulously crafted in cinema, music, and digital art. The hyperstylised yet decayed landscapes of Blade Runner 2049 and the militaristic drapery of Dune reflect an almost prophetic vision of Goth Futura’s core themes. Music, too, provides a second wind to its success, with artists like Playboi Carti, and his label, Opium. Leaning into dystopian, almost vampiric visuals, they bring this fashion paradigm to the masses, incorporating dark, avant-garde elements into their performances and fashion choices.

Video games such as Cyberpunk 2077 and anime like Akira, a cult favourite, contribute to this bleeding-edge intersection of decay and innovation, solidifying this visual identity’s place in contemporary culture.

The essence of Goth Futura is a paradox, both futuristic and primal, sleek yet chaotic. Mystery, rebellion, and fluidity dominate the visual language, carrying with it, an air of dark elegance. With a sense of grit and detachment, an undeniable romanticism lingers beneath the surface. The world it envisions is neither utopian, nor dystopian, it is something in-between, full of tension, deliberate disorder, so well, something real, because that, unsurprisingly, sounds alarmingly familiar.

The ensembles, in this design language, oscillate between structured and fluid, adhering to no fixed gender norms. Tight-fitting tops create a contrast against baggy, washed-out denims, embracing wear and tear as a stylistic statement. Whether it’s distressed knits, deconstructed shirts, or shredded outerwear, add a sense of entropy, while leather and denim jackets exude a feeling of armoured defiance.

Coming to the colour palette, darker, shadowy tones are embraced, leaning heavily on deep black, muted greys, rich reds, and washed greens.

Loud, maximalist, and unapologetic. Chunky silver jewellery, ranging from stacked rings, to heavy chains, add a metallic harshness, bringing with it echoes, of a pre-dystopian sense of excess. Drawing inspiration from Margiela’s surrealist vision, with Tabi boots, remaining relevant as ever, carrying the past, all the way to the future, and Incognito sunglasses with their visor-like opacity, act as an almost virtual veil between the wearer and the world. Belts with exaggerated buckles, leather gloves, and futuristic harnesses complete the look, adding both structure and a touch of the unexpected.

Loud, maximalist, and unapologetic. Chunky silver jewellery, ranging from stacked rings, to heavy chains, add a metallic harshness, bringing with it echoes, of a pre-dystopian sense of excess. Drawing inspiration from Margiela’s surrealist vision, with Tabi boots, remaining relevant as ever, carrying the past, all the way to the future, and Incognito sunglasses with their visor-like opacity, act as an almost virtual veil between the wearer and the world. Belts with exaggerated buckles, leather gloves, and futuristic harnesses complete the look, adding both structure and a touch of the unexpected.

Hair plays a crucial role in reinforcing this artistic proclamation. The wet-look’s reign continues, exuding an almost otherworldly sheen, while slicked-back styles evoke a sense of control and power. Conversely, voluminous spikes, deliberately unkempt textures and gravity-defying hair, structured yet seemingly chaotic, create an interplay between order and disorder.

Hair plays a crucial role in reinforcing this artistic proclamation. The wet-look’s reign continues, exuding an almost otherworldly sheen, while slicked-back styles evoke a sense of control and power. Conversely, voluminous spikes, deliberately unkempt textures and gravity-defying hair, structured yet seemingly chaotic, create an interplay between order and disorder.

A controlled studio environment will allow for precise manipulation of lighting and post-production, ensuring that the visual doctrine shines through, uniformly. The lighting is a stark contrast to the predominantly dark ensembles, with neon, colourful, yet mysterious, lighting, with cool blues and ethereal greens, fortify and amplify a synthetic, post-human ambiance.

Wild Within

In a world increasingly dominated by technology and urban sprawl, fashion has become a powerful medium to reconnect with our primal roots. ‘Wild Within’ is not just a concept; it’s a visceral exploration of humanity’s untamed bond with the animal kingdom, set against the breathtaking canvas of nature. It’s a call to strip away the layers of civilization and rediscover our raw, instinctual selves.

Each look is intricately woven with elements drawn from the animal world-- showcased through a metaphorical lens through which the human perception of nature is explored and reimagined. Set deep in the nature, the concept invites viewers to rediscover their own raw, instinctual essence, reconnecting with the natural world -- the fundamental source of life and vitality. The collection is a powerful ode to nature, reminding us of its enduring influence and our intrinsic connection to it. The wild each of us are born with never dies, it only waits for you to return.

Sacai’s Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear collection by Chitose Abe, brought the untamed spirit of the jungle to the runway, with garments that echoed the textures, patterns, and movements of wild creatures. Similarly, Sabyasachi’s The Animal Ball Edition (2023), showcasing jewellery pieces inspired by the regality of the animal kingdom and Rahul Mishra’s Superheroes collection for Paris Haute Couture Week 2024 with intricate embroidery of butterflies, serpents, and threedimensional scarabs, are more than just aesthetic marvels. These collections are a celebration of the delicate balance of ecosystems and a poignant reminder of the urgency to preserve them.

HUNTER

A hunter in their element embodies the perfect fusion of human and beast—prowling, chasing, surviving. Every movement exudes raw power, serving as a reminder that beneath the layers of civilization, we remain animals at our core. True wilderness confronts us only when we strip away the comforts of modern life, revealing a world where survival isn’t a choice but an instinct.

The model channels an untamed masculinity, making it a statement in itself. Imagine a figure clad in leather and fur, their movements as calculated and precise as a predator’s. This is not just a fashion statement; it’s a reflection of the raw power and survival instincts that lie dormant within us. Each fashion element is carefully chosen to align with the hunter’s dynamic existence, ensuring both functionality and primal elegance, seamlessly blending style with survival.

Pop culture has long romanticized this archetype, from Katniss Everdeen’s primal survival skills in The Hunger Games to the feral elegance of Twilight’s werewolves. These characters resonate because they embody a truth we often forget: that survival is not a choice but a necessity. Half-Animal,

TRIBAL

In a world obsessed with hierarchy and dominance, the tribal way of life offers a refreshing perspective. It’s a lifestyle where man and nature exist in harmony, without one overshadowing the other. Designers like Stella McCartney have long championed this ethos, creating sustainable fashion that respects the environment.

The tribal aesthetic is not just about simplicity; it’s about unity—with each other and with nature. It’s a stark contrast to the fast-paced, tech-driven lives we lead today. Comprised of simple elements the look speaks for itself-- with dots and lines drawn on the face representing spiritual, religious and cultural significance showcasing the connection with their roots (both metaphorically and literally). With all the constant advancements made far and wide, one can’t help but wonder: are we truly evolving, or are we shredding parts of our humanity that we may never reclaim?

WANDERER

There’s a certain magic in getting lost—in wandering through dense forests, with no destination in sight. ‘The wanderer’ captures this essence, evoking the dreamlike state of being one with nature. It’s a feeling that resonates deeply in pop culture, from the ethereal wanderings of The Lord of the Rings Frodo Baggins to the free-spirited adventures of Into the Wild’s Christopher McCandless.

Fashion has embraced this wanderer spirit with flowing silhouettes, earthy tones, and textures that mimic the rustle of leaves and the crunch of fallen branches. The extremely unkempt look forces the viewers to look at the emotion behind the notion—the feeling of belonging and yet no permanent home. It’s a reminder that sometimes, being lost is the only way to be found.

The hunt is not just about the kill; it’s about the journey, the struggle, and the survival.

It’s about the weary hunter returning home, bearing the scars of their ordeal. These scars are not just marks of pain; they are badges of honour, telling stories of resilience and strength.

This narrative is echoed in films like The Revenant, where Leonardo DiCaprio’s character battles the wilderness to survive. The injuries reflect the man’s achievements yet pain and the peace he finally feels as his body touches cold water, embracing it all at once. The feathers symbolise the idea of status and ranks that some cultures follow but also a metaphorical way to show a post-hunt state. It’s a raw, unfiltered ode to the heroism of survival.

POWER &

SURVIVAL

Admirer

“I can hear the mountains calling,” they say, and the weary soul answers. The admirer is about rejuvenation—about feeling the grass beneath your feet, the wind in your hair, and the earth in your veins. It’s a momentary reunion with nature that leaves you feeling alive, connected, and whole. This sentiment is beautifully captured in films like Avatar, where the Na’vi live in harmony with their environment, and in music like Fleetwood Mac’s Landslide, which evokes the timeless beauty of nature. This emotion is reflected in this look using a poetic lens-- a diary, waiting for the man’s scribbles of his thoughts about the beauty held by the nature and the bag pack, holding not only his essentials but also a deep fascination, admiration and devotion towards the nature. Earthy tones, soft & organic fabrics comprises the poetic look that mimics the fluidity of natural landscapes.

Fashion isn’t just about looking cool (though, let’s be real, that’s a big plus). It’s a portal—a wormhole to something deeper, weirder, and wilder. Think of it as a cosmic mixtape where emotions, aesthetics, and spirituality blend into one trippy track. In this era of hyperreality and digital dreams, fashion has transcended mere fabric and form; it’s now a multi-dimensional experience, a love letter to self-discovery and collective consciousness. Welcome to transcendence—a visual mood board where psychedelia meets spirituality, and enlightenment comes with a side of kaleidoscopic visuals.

This isn’t just another editorial—it’s a five-stage journey into the surreal. Buckle up, because things are about to get strange (in the best way possible).

TRANSCENDENCE

ARSHIA SABHARWAL

A fractal fever dream of swirling surrealism, where fashion melts into the mind’s eye. Flowing robes, layered translucence, and intricate patterns dissolve into hypnotic textures. So, strap in—this isn’t an editorial, it's a vibe.

TRANSCENDENCE

By Arshia Sabharwal

Model AALIYA CHOUDHARY

Ever had a dream so vivid you woke up wondering if you accidentally astral projected? That’s the energy here.

The subconscious is a moody place—equal parts eerie and enchanting. Our subject is draped in sheer, ghost-like layers, shimmering in silver like an alien goddess lost in a Black Mirror episode. The backdrop? Dark, dreamy, and slightly unsettling—think Euphoria meets a David Lynch fever dream.

Rodarte’s NYFW Spring 2022 collection is whispering in the background, reminding us that fragility and strength can coexist. Shadows play tricks, and nothing is quite as it seems. The dream has just begun.

Shadows, Light, and the First Breath

The light creeps in, welcoming the soft, cinematic glow of self-awareness—where everything is symmetrical, pastel, and oddly soothing. Our model steps into this new realm wearing a structured grey blazer (sharp enough to cut through past illusions) paired with flowing white shorts (because who doesn’t love a little freedom?).

Layers of sheer organza dance across the face, a nod to the delicate transition from “Who am I?” to “Oh wait, I think I get it now.” This phase is all about balance—like if Hereditary and Moonrise Kingdom had a surprisingly harmonious baby.

TRANSCENDENCE

Tarot Codes Have Been Cracked

Golden hour.

A field of tarot cards glowing like they hold the secrets of the universe (spoiler: they do). The Fool, The Star, The Moon, The Tower—each one marking a checkpoint in this cosmic journey.

Our model? Wrapped in a pink metallic co-ord set that looks like it was stolen from a cyberpunk goddess. The fabric catches the sunlight, shifting like liquid metal. It’s giving futuristic mystic, an ethereal warrior stepping into ultimate awareness.

The world is now in full technicolor, and the boundaries between self and universe dissolve.

Time? An illusion. Identity? Fluid. Vibes? Immaculate.

Integration

Bringing Magic Back to Reality

Final level unlocked Serenity.

No more neon chaos—just a quiet, confident glow. The model steps back into the real world, but this time, everything feels different. They wear a patchwork jacket that’s equal parts everyday and avant-garde, a reminder that enlightenment doesn’t have to mean renouncing all things fun.

Paired with nude-coloured stockings and playful, graphic eyeliner, this look is grounded yet whimsical. The journey’s lessons are stitched into the fabric, the colours a souvenir from the trip. Hair? Loosely styled, with tiny bead-adorned braids that nod to the intricate paths we take to find ourselves.

Psychedelic Utopia, but Make It Fashion

Transcendence is more than an aesthetic—it’s a mindset, a glitch in the matrix that lets you see beyond the surface. It’s a celebration of the bold, the chaotic, and the beautifully bizarre. Think 1970’s counterculture meets Gen Z maximalism, with a sprinkle of spiritual awakening on top.

This is your sign to step beyond the ordinary, to embrace the surreal, and to let fashion be the bridge between the known and the infinite. After all, why just exist when you can transcend?

wardrobe and location credits

A Futuristic Heritage- Shashank Chhetri

LOOK 1: shot in Sufdarjung Enclave, Delhi

Clothing: Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Jewellery: Borrowed, Purchased from Jaipur, Rajesthan

LOOK 2: shot in Sufdarjung Enclave, Delhi

Clothing: Borrowed

Jewellery: Borrowed, Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

LOOK 3: shot in Indian Institute of Art and Design, Okhla, Delhi

Clothing: Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Jewellery: Borrowed, Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

LOOK 4: shot in Indian Institute of Art and Design, Okhla, Delhi

Clothing: Borrowed, Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Accessories: Borrowed, Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Requiem For Tomorrow- Tejas Mehta

LOOK 1:

Location - Indoor Studio

Clothing - Sourced from Sarojini

Accessories - Sourced from Sarojini and Janpat

LOOK 2:

Location - Indoor Studio

Clothing - Borrowed, Sourced from Sarojini and Janpat

Accessories - Sourced from Janpat

LOOK 3:

Location - Indoor Studio

Clothing - Sourced from Janpat and Chandni Chowk

Accessories - Sourced from Janpat

Wild Within- Maahee Sood

HUNTER: shot in Aravalli Hills, Gurgaon, Haryana

Clothing: Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi Jewellery: Borrowed

Accessories: Handmade using old fabrics

TRIBAL: shot in Aravalli Hills, Gurgaon, Haryana

Clothing: Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Jewellery: Purchased from Dilli Haat, Delhi

Accessories: Tailored using old fabrics

WANDERER: shot in Aravalli Hills, Gurgaon, Haryana

Clothing: Tailored using old fabrics, Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Jewellery: Borrowed, Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi

Accessories: Purchased from Dilli Haat, Delhi

POWER & SURVIVAL: shot in Aravalli Hills, Gurgaon, Haryana

Accessories: Purchased from Amazon

ADMIRER: shot in Tatvam Villas, Gurgaon, Haryana

Clothing: Purchased from Sarojini Nagar Market, Delhi, Borrowed

Jewellery: Borrowed, Purchased from Dilli Haat, Delhi

Accessories: Purchased from Dilli Haat, Delhi, Handmade, Own wardrobe

Transcendence- Arshia Sabharwal

DREAM:

Location - indoor studio, Kalkaji, New Delhi

Clothing - borrowed

Accessories - Nehru Place market Delhi

AWAKENING:

Location - indoor studio, Kalkaji, New Delhi

Clothing - borrowed

Accessories - Nehru Place market Delhi

TRANSCENDENCE:

Location - indoor studio, Kalkaji, New Delhi

Clothing - borrowed

Jewellery - own wardrobe, purchased from Amazon

Accessories - purchased from Sarojini nagar delhi, and Lajpat Nagar central market

INTIGRATION:

Location - indoor studio, Kalkaji, New Delhi

Clothing - borrowed, purchased from Lajpat Nagar central market

Accessories - purchased from Sarojini nagar delhi, and Khalsa stationary Delhi