Getting a glimpse into the world of crafting lightweight occasion wear with the creative mastermind behind One Not Two – Shikha Dobhal.
As the blazing sun commences the onset of Indian summers, it is time to invest in breathable, skin-friendly festive clothing – and One Not Two is here to help you with just that! You are not the only one if you squirm a little while thinking about dressing up in heavy silks and embroideries to enjoy the summertime celebrations. While traditional ensembles are synonymous with opulent silhouettes, the need for practical and weather-appropriate clothing has led the designer Shikha Dobhal to create easy, effortless occasion wear for today’s style aficionados. As she continues her streak of designing new-age festive clothing for her prêt label, we decided to discover her journey and the challenges faced while navigating a maximalist market space.
FL: Can you take us back to the beginning? What inspired the inception of One Not Two, and how has the brand evolved since its establishment in 2019?
SD: Looking back, I think One Not Two is the outcome of my admiration for quality craftsmanship, innovative surfaces, and free-flowing and versatile clothing. As a result, the brand reflects my simple state of mind with lightweight occasion wear, which I felt was missing in the market. India is known for its heavy embroideries and textiles, especially in terms of festive clothing. I wanted to change that narrative by making effortless clothing which one can wear to parties without much thought or heavy styling. Over the years, One Not Two has tried to tap into the Indian occasion wear market with the help of brighter colours and ornate, yet simple artworks that are suited for bigger celebrations like weddings. Our focus has also shifted towards making our styles more appealing to the younger crowd, as opposed to earlier when the designs catered to a mature clientele. As a result, the silhouettes have become more stylised, featuring modern cuts but still echo my love for good craftsmanship and interesting surfaces.
FL: One Not Two believes in creating ensembles that are “One with the Wearer.” How do you ensure that each piece becomes a true reflection of the wearer’s personal style?
SD: We try to keep our designs classic and silhouettes hassle-free. That way, our clothes do not require elaborate accessorisation, and they can be worn by people of all age groups with a maximalist or minimalist sensibility. The intricate yet uncluttered work on our pieces sets them apart and makes them versatile so the wearer can make them their own. As a designer, I do not pursue trends and, therefore, make clothing that is timeless and personal at the same time.
FL: Experientialists at heart – could you elaborate on how the brand seeks to enhance the customer’s experience through its designs and the overall shopping process?
SD: Being experientialists at heart means One Not Two advocates the idea of personal experiences of every occasion, every day, at full capacity rather than going along with fleeting trends. We specialise in unique surfaces which hold one’s interest and become a part of their style over time. The comfortable silhouettes along with clean and balanced designs, are an attempt to let the wearer be free.
FL: Can you tell us about the challenges that you have faced as a designer in the ethnic occasion wear segment, and how these challenges have shaped One Not Two’s growth and creative direction?
SD: I think the main challenge has been establishing the concept of ‘simple can be festive’ in the occasion wear segment. Since Indian wear has a rich culture, defying the norm with easy clothing has been challenging. Another obstacle was to make outfits that fit the ideals of the brand while meeting our audience’s sensibilities. As the brand evolved, we were able to amalgamate these two things and this gets better with each passing season as we constantly strive to broaden our range of clients and the range of occasions for which One Not Two can be worn. We focus on making transitional and trans-seasonal pieces that you can reach out to again and again!
FL: As a Delhi-based brand, how does the city’s rich cultural heritage influence your aesthetics and design choices?
SD: Delhi is a crossroads for all cultures, ethnicities, and personalities. It is a city that is as modern as it is old – where art, technology, and culture all unify. One Not Two resonates with this conjugation of the old and new by marrying new-age artistry and traditional craftsmanship. The deconstructed florals, intricately embroidered surfaces, scalloped edges and minimal yet edgy shapes of our clothing are a testament to our modern design philosophy rooted in culture. Our pieces can flawlessly transition from day to night occasions – just like the city.
FL: In the world of ethnic occasion wear, the label aims to break away from standardised designs. What considerations go into creating easy-to-pick yet versatile clothing for a festive wardrobe?
SD: In this age of clothing, where there is a blast of designs, silhouettes and trends, we aim to make occasional outfits that are clutter-free and balanced in design yet meticulous. Our textured surfaces achieved with embroideries give them that festive appeal without being too loud. So, the idea is to make celebratory outfits while keeping them simple and figure-flattering for all ages and body types. Our ensembles’ comfort and wearability are their unique selling point; even our embroideries are done using sequins and other lightweight embellishments so that the general conceptualisation is delicate.
From anti-fit tunic sets and kaftans to billowy dupattas adorned with beaded and sequin florals, One Not Two offers a vibrant mood board for sun-drenched festivities. Their approach towards simple yet stark clothing is what sets them apart, making it impossible for us not to swoon over their
classic designs!
