Whispers in the Current

The ocean has remained a constant presence in the designer’s life, serving as a reference point connecting different memories. As the daughter of a captain, Avantika Malhotra has lived on a ship and always in coastal cities: Mumbai, Hong Kong, New York, and Singapore. She started scuba diving at eleven, and at fifteen, she achieved her advanced open-water certification. Connecting people to each other and the earth they inhabit, the ocean is a place of observation and memory where past, present, and future exist in one.



In contemplation of her own relationship with the ocean, recognising its power to both soothe and disturb, Avantika delved into the inquiry of how a singular entity could evoke such opposing emotions. This contemplation became the compass guiding her research. The resulting collection, "Whispers in the Current," celebrates the ocean's captivating power and prompts the conversation on personal comfort zones by highlighting the overlap between comfort and fear. She uses her personal experiences of scuba diving as a conduit to share this message.



"Whispers in the Current" manifests as a 6-look collection of interchangeable separates, bags, and jewellery. Each piece is thoughtfully designed, embodying ergonomic production techniques prioritising the wearer's comfort, mirroring the freedom and ease experienced underwater. Blending influences from scuba diving, the collection integrates sportswear elements, accentuating movement and flexibility akin to the fluidity of the ocean. It encapsulates the energy and dynamism associated with active lifestyles.



Avantika's innovative approach stands out in Looks 1 and 3. Entirely crafted from second-hand damaged scuba wetsuits sourced from local dive shops in New York City. By transforming damaged materials into captivating garments, Avantika advocates for the potential of recycled materials in creating garments that honour sustainability and eco-consciousness.



"Whispers in the Current" is more than a collection; it's an intimate narrative of Avantika's relationship with the ocean, encapsulated in wearable art that speaks to the heart, mind, and soul. These garments invite the audience to embrace their own dichotomies and embark on journeys of self-reflection, particularly about their personal comfort zones.