Design Journal

At Dushyant Asthana, we always strive to create designs that are not only timeless, but also a reflection of our value system.  Since our inception, we have maintained focus on using quality materials that are created with love.  One such material we use is the 'Khadi' fabric.

Khadi is a kind of cotton fabric that is made on wooden handlooms as opposed to mass-produced fabric that is made on automated industrial looms.  Because it is loomed by hand and requires immense manual labor, it takes significantly longer to make Khadi fabric that is ready for sewing.  In our experience, it takes anywhere from 60-90 days to get 100 yards of fabric loomed and ready for sewing.  Because the process is long, labor-intensive and intense, we make sure that we only loom what is needed and results in little wastage.  All of our Khadi shirts are made in small batches at our family run tailoring units.  You can see all of our Khadi shirts here.  We have aptly named the collection: The Elemental Weave.

We hope that you enjoy our hand-loomed shirts!  As always, should you have any questions for us, please send us a note at Help@DushyantAsthana.com.

Clothing style can communicate values, attitudes, identity and attributes that a person seeks to project to the world. Style can therefore be seen as a form of communication, notifying others immediately with non-verbal cues what that person wishes to portray to society about one’s own personal value system.

As individuals with a sense of style, we are drawn to those others who exhibit the same characteristics, whether it be an impeccably executed traditional suit, an equally excellent choice of the most trendy articles of the day combined in an artistic manner, or even an oddball mixture of a vintage find paired with a very contemporary piece of clothing. So long as one is dressed well, however it may be that one’s personal style dictates what “dressed well” entails, it all boils down to aesthetics. If chosen well, a piece of clothing will generally have merit of its own accord. The way in which the wearer combines it with other items to interact with the rest of the outfit as an aesthetic whole is what really determines if the individual has dressed well. A well-dressed individual can evoke admiration, awe, reverence, inspiration, and sometimes even slight tickles of envy. Admiring a well-dressed individual feels analogous to taking the time to lose oneself in a Rothko.

Stylish individuals are perceived to be more successful, whether this may be true or not. They have taken the time to shop, select, and curate an outfit in a manner that suits their particular expression of value. This consideration for appearance generally signifies an attention to detail, often a creative persuasion, and most importantly, confidence.  One study showed that individuals who were dressed more fashionably were actually attributed as being more social than individuals dressed in a less fashionable manner. We view a well-dressed individual, appreciate and enjoy their attire, and immediately our feelings towards this individual are positive. Regardless of whether or not we have ever met this person, or only ogled them voyeuristically from afar, once our internal dialogue says “Wow, I love that!” we immediately and automatically have a favorable impression of them.

In our modern world where real, interpersonal communication is at a record low while cursory communication in the form of texting and tweeting is rampantly omnipresent, it becomes even more essential to be able to give off a favorable impression at a glance. The way we choose to dress instantly signifies to others our specific values through individual choices in style. It is therefore crucial that this signifier be a positive one. Never will it be detrimental to be dressed well.

In nature, the colorful plumage of birds serves to attract a mate, just as floral color is an important factor in long-distance recognition and attraction of pollinators. Alternatively, bright hues in insects, amphibians, fish and plants can often signal a warning to potential predators. As in nature colors may serve to attract or to convey overt or subtle signs to others, human behavior often mirrors this predilection when it comes to choosing clothing color.

When considering color and clothing, bright colors and saturated hues attract the viewer’s eye while simultaneously stimulating the senses. The more saturated a hue, the more one’s brain is triggered, the more impacted a viewer is, and the more attention is drawn. Brighter hues are generally therefore preferred over lighter hues. Bold and unique colors can convey meaning. They can signify that the wearer desires to make a strong impact, whether it be one of allure, edginess, or as a statement of confidence and individuality. Studies show that novel and unique is always more memorable than the familiar.

In addition to color being a statement to others, it is more importantly an expression of one’s own identity.  Bold and unique clothing color choices can help the wearer outwardly define their personality, attitude, and assert a sense of self. Bright hues inspire confidence, and have positive effects on behavior and mood when used to accurately project who the wearer wishes to be.

At Dushyant Asthana, bold hues are a critical component of the contemporary man’s unique wardrobe. The clothes you make the choice to wear are viewed by both yourself and others throughout the day, so we believe they should serve as a constant inspiration to both yourself and others. Express yourself. Be bold.