The ultimate Zen experience is when I'm sitting in a Tibetan monastery with a prayer wheel in front of me and the Himalayas around me,'' says Ajumpur, who uses such journeys for inspiration in her work. Her personal sense of spirituality comes across in her unique fabrics. Silks are hand painted, often tie-dyed, to pucker like cobwebs, while peacock feathers are woven with silk threads. Last season she developed a line of cottons which she then coated with pineapple resins for a crisp papery hand. Throughout the collection, the inner struggle is symbolized with asymmetrical lines that clash with symmetrical forms in simple shift dresses, maxi skirts and peacoats.
Pockets are hand-sewn onto jackets that are perfectly tailored inside to represent inner beauty.
Kurebayashi came to Italy in 1988 from Japan, where she began her career as an assistant clothing designer at Costume National. Her own accessories collection was launched last year. Most of the pieces are handmade by skilled artisans in Italy and India to give a crafted edge. I'm fascinated by the Orient, I love mixing Eastern elements and expressing emotions into my work,'' he said. Capone, who practices deep-breathing techniques in tense moments, translates Zen through lines, voluminous proportions, space and sensuality.