From the Founder's Desk
Tie It, Drape It, Repeat It: The Skirt That Does It All
There’s something quietly beautiful about repetition. The things we come back to, again and again, become rituals. They anchor our days, create rhythm, and offer comfort. Even in clothing, repetition can feel grounding. A familiar silhouette, a texture that feels right, a way of styling that doesn’t need reconsidering.
Truth is, some pieces you wear. Others, you live in. Everyone has that one piece in their wardrobe. Right now, for me, that’s the tie-up skirt. I designed it pre-Covid, but lately, I’ve found myself reaching for it more than ever. It’s the piece that gets me — on days I need shape, simplicity, or just something I don’t have to overthink.
It’s flattering, it’s light, it folds into nothing in my suitcase, and I can wear it three different ways. Beach mornings, fittings at the studio, surprise dinners — it works across all of it. I throw on a white satin shirt or a blazer, add gold jewellery or pearls, and I’m good to go. It even made it to a wedding, where I draped it over my shoulder instead of wearing a sari. If it had a soundtrack, it’d be Sapphire.
How To Style It
Monday Morning: Tie it up, blazer on, no thinking required
Friday Night: Satin shirt, heels, and a little drama with the jewellery
Unexpected Work Dinner: Add a white shirt and pearls. Done
Travel Essential: Rolls light, wears heavy. Exactly what I need
Hack I Discovered by Accident: Draped it over my shoulder for a wedding. Sari-ish, but simpler
On My Mind This Month
Currently cheating on coffee with: Matcha (Nandan in Bombay makes a great one)
Playlist on loop: My 8am running playlist. It’s got all the guilty pleasures
Recent design dilemma: When the fabric is beautiful but doesn’t play well with tailoring
Screenshots piling up: Exotic flowers
Next on the hunt for: Monsoon-proof shoes that still look good
A Few More Things on Repeat
Morning ritual: Technically, copper water and haldi balls. Realistically, WhatsApp
Daily grounding practice: 3 Surya Namaskars + 45-minute meditation
What’s always in my bag: Lip balm, charger, cards, phone
My Monday uniform: Jersey knot pants. Basically pyjamas with ambition
Book/show I revisit: The Handmaid’s Tale
Can’t-swap beauty product: Eight Day Serum
My signature scent: Quercus by Penhaligon’s
What I repeat without realising: My hairstyle (every. single. day.)
Until next time,
Shweta Kapur
Founder, 431-88
