Material Memory
Clothing holds on to more than its shape. It carries the marks of its making, the hands behind its construction, and the changes that come with time. With Material Memory, Countrymade founder and creative director Sushant Abrol explores these ideas through a Spring/Summer 2027 collection that brings Indian textile craftsmanship into a contemporary menswear wardrobe.
Photo : FS Media Pro / FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide
Rooted in the label’s interest in military references, nostalgic utility, and Indian craft traditions, the collection places material and construction at the center of the story. Linen, silk, cotton, and denim form the foundation, while textured surfaces, exposed stitching, and hand-finished details give each piece a sense of history. Rather than hide the signs of wear or transformation, Countrymade allows them to become part of the design.
Traditional techniques are woven throughout the collection. Kantha embroidery, Bakhiya backstitching, patchwork, hand-coated color treatments, and bespoke pad stitching lend depth to the garments, while reversible constructions offer more than one way to wear a piece. Structured tailoring sits alongside relaxed, workwear-inspired silhouettes, creating a wardrobe that feels considered without losing its practicality.
Founded in 2019, Countrymade has built its identity around the meeting point of Indian craftsmanship, utility, and stories of resilience. With Material Memory, that approach takes on a more reflective quality. Fading colors, softened structures, controlled fraying, and layered surfaces speak to the passage of time, making the process of making as important as the finished garment.
The collection’s story also extends beyond the runway. An original short film imagines garments moving and interacting inside an empty studio, raising the question of whether clothing can retain something of the people who once wore it. The presentation is accompanied by an original soundtrack, What Remains (Material Memory), which moves from footsteps and the sounds of a garment factory into music. Now available on Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube Music, it explores ideas of becoming, belonging, and what survives change.
Mood: Nostalgic utility
Materials: Linen, silk, cotton, and denim
Key Details: Kantha embroidery, Bakhiya backstitching, patchwork, reversible construction, exposed stitching, hand-finished surfaces
Photo : FS Media Pro / FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week / RISE Worldwide
What Caught Our Eye
What stood out about Material Memory was its treatment of craft as something lived in, rather than simply admired. The collection finds character in construction, texture, and the freedom to wear a garment in different ways. Here are four details we’d take into a modern wardrobe.
01. Craft That Tells a Story: Kantha embroidery and Bakhiya backstitching bring a sense of history to contemporary menswear. We love how these techniques add character through the work itself, rather than relying on decoration alone.
02. Reversible Dressing: Pieces that offer two ways to wear them make a practical case for thoughtful design. Reversible construction adds versatility without losing the individuality of the garment.
03. Texture and Imperfection: Controlled fraying, exposed seams, and layered surfaces let the making remain visible. These details caught our eye for the way they give a garment depth and personality without making it feel overly polished.
04. Relaxed Utility: Workwear references and military-inspired shapes meet softer fabrics and considered tailoring. The result feels functional but refined, offering an appealing approach to everyday menswear that doesn’t sacrifice craftsmanship for comfort.
