PLAY by 431-88 takes inspiration from the Olympics

Arushi Sakhuja 

The 2024 Olympic Games have captured the world’s attention. International designers are busy creating stunning couture, while younger designers in India are also making their mark. One such brand is 431-88 by Shweta Kapur, which is redefining tailoring and pushing boundaries.

Shweta Kapur the brainchild behind 431-88, launched her label in 2012. Over the last decade, she has developed a unique design language that celebrates self-expression and independence. Her modern interpretation of classical Indian silhouettes, fine tailoring, and urban luxe reflects what women desire. Kapur’s individualistic pieces come together to represent modern women, their lives, travels, and stories.

Today, 431-88 is a label that is synonymous with modernity and sensuality, its collections address a global individual who is sexy, confident and free-spirited. Each season the label offers up a dynamic range of ultra-cool urban wear that seeks to carry the 431-88 individual through their everyday and more formal aspects of their life. Each collection casts a fresh lens on traditional Indian wear, and PLAY by 431-88 is no different.

Celebrating the rhythm of daily life while focusing on the moments in-between where personal evolution and self-care thrive PLAY by 431-88 is inspired by the concept of movement. The collection embodies fluidity with a colour palette of monochrome black and white, soft blues, and rich browns. The pieces reflect diverse practices integrated into everyday routines, from morning to night. From laser-cut oversized tees and sarees to polka dot prints and timeless staples like black skirts and bustiers, the collection ensures a timeless appeal. Breezy laser-cut pieces add a modern touch and freedom of movement, while classics like denim offer durability and effortless style. Minimalist embroidery adds subtle yet distinctive details, ensuring that the pieces transcend time.

Championing style while ensuring functionality and aesthetics, the collection is effortless and easy to wear. With pieces that can double up as separates, PLAY is easy to style and embodies a sense of playfulness while meeting the demands of everyday life. Keeping comfort as a top priority, we can see silhouettes that are not complicated, on the contrary, they are classic reimagined with a contemporary flair, making it a breeze for the wearer. Not conforming to trends and the taste of only the youth, PLAY by 431-88 is versatile and adaptable for those across age groups and lifestyles. Offering simplicity adorned with thoughtful details the beauty about the pieces is the ease with which they can effortlessly transition from casual daywear to evening elegance.

Dress it up with chunky jewellery and statement accessories for a formal look, or pair it with sneakers and laidback sunnies for a. more casual look. No matter which way you bend,  PLAY by 431-88 represents a lifestyle that values both personal growth and relaxation redefining everyday fashion.  In essence, we can say that Shweta Kapur is pushing the traditional norms of Indian fashion offering a new perspective on what the future of the industry can look like in the coming years. And we are here for it. The refreshing spotlight on timeless staples also proves that the industry is moving towards sustainable practices.