By 
What does this mean to you when you can wear a piece of history entailed with it, but without being bound by it? Can apparel have a significant history attached to it without reenacting the stories, acknowledging the descent from ages without carrying out that nostalgia, and allowing the traditional stories to exist, but letting them flow as movement rather than monuments? These are some probes that are being investigated by Absent Findings – structural design process, unconventional thinking amalgamated with untouched history, this is the soul of the brand, rooting its origin from the UAE, but tracking its influence from the epochs of Indian history. The Cummerbund Trousers are an exemplary artefact that showcases the lineage without bearing the weight of the past.
At first sight, the trousers appear to be restrained, having a narrow silhouette, simple, clean lines with a composed alignment and posture. But the restraint is necessarily desired. Absent Findings begins the journey of craft not just by adding but by editing the art, with a move to allow the intention to grow between the spaces.
The details on the trousers through lacing a cummerbund are by way of integrating it seamlessly as a waistband into the side seams. This waistband appears to be the focal point of the trousers, not by exaggerating the details but by motion. It flows with the moving flow of the wearer, restricting itself to the pace, pauses, and vicinity. The garment doesn’t scream its presence of itself but gradually reveals its essence with the growing passage of time.
The cummerbund traces its footprints of origins from the layered history of the sartorial art: garments through the ages. The inspiration of the artefact takes effect from the kamarbandh – a waistband/ waist sash that has been from ages worn across South Asia. This piece of art entered the modernised era of clothing as an aesthetic and functional element. In the inclusion of this piece into the trousers, Absent Findings has left room for replication and posed the intent to evolve the history, keeping the roots intact to its core. The waistband has been reimagined a reversed version of a skirt-like panel allowed with the soul of allowing it to sway freely, yet stitched with fine detailing and precision.
How does this make one feel after wearing the history that has lived in the hearts of people for an abundance of time, letting the aesthetic flow? The answer to this query lies in the balance- the balance between the flow and functionality. Artisanal from the deadstock poly-wool blend, the fabric provides the balance of structure and softness; the choice of material aligns with the beliefs of Absent Findings in prudent use of resources and longevity. The narrow, deliberate fit of the trousers hugs the body without any restrictions, which eventually boosts confidence without exaggerated performance.
When all is said and done, Cummerbund Trousers don’t put itself into the race of answering every question that is being raised, but it just exists in between the soul of the past and the core of presence, structure and utility.
Comments