Absent Findings unveils its Spring Summer 2027 collection, titled “What’s the Color of My Voice?” — a surreal exploration that intertwines dreamlike elements with an underlying foundation of normality. In a time when the weight of the world can feel overwhelming, the brand turns its gaze inward, aiming not for escape but for creation.
The new collection offers a retreat within the studio walls, serving not merely as a means of coping but rather as a subtle act of defiance against the chaos outside. The ethos behind this collection is rooted in the belief that genuine creation—marked by intent and diligence—holds intrinsic value. It champions the notion of transforming walls into canvases adorned with references, drawings, textures, and even mistakes, promoting the simple act of making as something significant.
Drawing inspiration from the surrealist visions of Leonora Carrington, the innovative costume design of Oskar Schlemmer, Victorian embellishments, and the nuanced language of preparatory uniforms, the collection navigates the desire for self-presentation with thoughtfulness. Here, uniforms transcend mere conformity, evolving into symbols of intentionality—an approach to presenting oneself that enriches rather than merely exists within the world.
The collection features meticulously tailored silhouettes that are beautifully disrupted by ornamental gestures. Jackets, vests, shirts, and trousers showcase ruffles, gathered panels, decorative trims, and surprising pops of colour. These stylistic choices evoke emotion in their placements, as if echoing romantic or instinctual urges amidst the discipline inherent in the garments. The outcome is a wardrobe balancing restraint with expression, merging the concept of uniform with the inner voice it represents.
A significant aspect of this emotional narrative involves the use of heirloom saris, which recur throughout the collection as trims, accents, and delicate interventions. Rather than serving as mere nostalgic remnants, these saris are treated as living entities that infuse the garments with memory, intimacy, and profound personal significance. Against the backdrop of structured tailoring, these fabrics introduce a softness that carries familial and cultural traces.
Additionally, the SS27 collection signifies a notable evolution in the brand’s visual identity. Departing from the muted tones of previous seasons, it welcomes a vibrant colour palette that conveys openness and warmth. Shades of olive, rust, burgundy, lilac, ochre, muted blue, and deep brown surface with impactful subtlety. This change reflects the idea that beauty need not be overly abstract to hold meaning, and acknowledges the urgency of joy, recognising that the coexistence of darkness and light is essential. One can find resonance in both Joy Division and the vivid aesthetics of Pink Flamingos.
“What’s the Color of My Voice?” stands as a testament to the choice of beauty without illusion, discipline without rigidity, and sincerity without pretence. It serves as a reminder that in uncertain times, the act of creating with care can embody a unique form of clarity.
Founded by Creative Director Shivin Singh, Absent Findings is a Dubai-based fashion house that intricately weaves together themes of memory, architecture, and cultural heritage. The brand draws inspiration from forgotten textiles and personal stories, channelling surrealist imagery to craft garments that embody both technical precision and profound poeticism.
