Abraham & Thakore’s Collection ‘Songlines’ Is Everything A Classic-Eclectic Needs

Abraham & Thakore is known for their astute, contemporary and craftsmanship-centred approach to fashion. The duo’s work symbolises a dynamic intersection between exploration and classic silhouettes. With their latest collection, ‘Songlines’, out now, this could not be more evident. A blend of flow, movement, rhythm and their signature geometric, clean lines, Songlines presents an opportunity to be playful, at ease, all while staying true to classic silhouettes. The designers always strive for longevity, to create timeless garments and with Songlines’ subtle (yet purposeful) embellishment and inculcation of rhythmic patterns — you can expect to experience a delicate balance between structure, craft and ease. 

Join us as we talk to David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore about the new collection and their insights about design.

In Conversation With A&T About Songlines

Manifest: Tell us what inspired you while creating Songlines.

Abraham & Thakore: The Songlines collection is inspired by the rhythm of everyday life—its melodies, patterns, and pauses. We referenced Aboriginal art and storytelling as a metaphor for movement, memory, and identity. The idea was to create a sartorial rhythm through textiles, where pleats, appliqué, and stitches form a visual symphony echoing the poetry of summer.

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M: Who was your muse while creating the collection?

A&T:  Rather than a singular muse, Songlines draws from the idea of collective energy—of people coming together in parks, on streets, and at intimate gigs. Our muse was the free spirit—gender-fluid, conscious, deeply connected to personal expression through style and sound.

M: I noticed that Songlines has some great pieces for men. Can you share some ways to style them with us?

A&T: Menswear in Songlines is crafted in breathable linen, cambric, and cotton voile—ideal for layering. A tonal linen kurta paired with cropped trousers and a Chanderi overlay creates a contemporary silhouette. Shirts with surface texturing or appliqué can be styled untucked over relaxed pants or tucked in with a narrow belt for structure. Keep accessories minimal—let the fabric do the talking.

M: What are your thoughts on occasion wear for men in India? How has the space been evolving, in your opinion?

A&T: There’s a growing departure from over-embellished menswear. Today’s Indian man is looking for lightweight fabrics, considered tailoring, and subtle detailing—elements we’ve always championed. Occasion wear is now rooted in wearability, versatility, and craftsmanship rather than flamboyance. Songlines caters to this shift with garments that are refined yet expressive. It has also become much more colourful and explorative, which is always great to see. 

M: The silhouette of many pieces in the collection consists of geometric straight lines… 

A&T: Linear geometry offers clarity and discipline. In Songlines, straight lines represent musical staves—they create a visual architecture around which softer elements flow. This approach reinforces our minimal aesthetic while allowing texture, stitch, and volume to emerge organically.

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M: What kind of surface embellishment, embroidery, and craftsmanship did you personally enjoy working with while creating the collection?

A&T:  We explored tonal appliqué, thread embroidery, and coupled sequin work. The use of cotton voile ribbons stitched in rhythmic layers was especially rewarding—it allowed us to manipulate light and shadow in a controlled, minimal way. These techniques maintain quiet elegance while adding depth to surface construction.

The women’s pieces in the collection also featured layered tonal appliqué, along with stitch-on-stitch textures, and restrained sequin embroidery—all placed with surgical precision. Each embellishment is a deliberate mark, not an ornamentation. The aim is always to create a sense of movement and rhythm, mirroring the music that inspired the collection.

M: So much of this collection also consists of a beautiful selection of saris. How do you think the traditional garment is being adopted by a younger generation?

A&T: The sari today is being approached with freedom. Young wearers are embracing its fluidity, wearing it with cropped shirts, jackets, or even sneakers. Our Songlines saris are lightweight, often unembellished or texturally minimal, making them highly adaptable for modern reinterpretation while still honouring heritage. In fact, the sari can and should also be considered as the Indian LBD. Fantastic for cocktails and other galas, the sari is our classic.

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M: What are some shifts you’ve observed in the way Gen-Z interacts with couture in India?

A&T:  Gen-Z values storytelling, conscious production, and modular fashion. They gravitate toward pieces that can transition from day to evening, are sustainably made, and offer gender and size fluidity. They’re not dressing for spectacle—they’re dressing for authenticity, which aligns closely with our ethos. Gen-Z is also much more exposed to the digital world, which often translates to more informed decision-making in terms of couture.

M: In your opinion, what is the most suave outfit men can wear to a wedding in today’s day and age?

A&T:  A structured linen bundi layered over a tonal kurta with tapered trousers is timeless and contemporary. Opt for earthy tones or jewel accents in matte finishes. Finish with handcrafted footwear and minimal metalwork—a style that’s sharp, sustainable, and seasonally fluid.

M: Can you share some styling tips for people who want to make a statement during the wedding season, but still stick to a minimal or unconventional look?

A&T: Lean into texture and tonal layering. Pair a monochrome kurta with a jacket featuring subtle stitchlines or handwoven contrast. Add a statement brooch, a textile belt, or even mismatched buttons—small details can elevate a look without compromising restraint. We believe that style, for us, always begins with fabric and ends with intent.