Saaf Garments Brings a New York Aesthetic to South Asian Silhouettes
Founder and creative director Osama Syed launched his men’s fashion label Saaf Garments last year with the intention of fusing his South Asian heritage with his love of New York City, giving traditional silhouettes a sleek update with modern fabrics and a black and ivory color palette.
On Friday, the brand is launching its fall 2024 collection, which it is debuting at its monthlong pop-up at NoHo’s LiveWear storefront.
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“It’s really inspired by trying to bring forward the silhouettes of the Mughal era, but into real society today in New York,” he said. “I’m really inspired by New York. I was originally raised in Chicago and when I moved to New York, it gave me my whole personality, so now I rep New York really hard and I love it so much. The cross section of the brand sits aptly in this space in the center of my Indian heritage and a sophistication of New York City.”
Saaf Garments’ fall 2024 collection continues the design codes Syed has infused in the brand since its launch last October. Titled “A Noir and Ivory Affair,” the collection offers new takes on the brand’s pleated long jackets that are inspired by whirling dervishes, which are now offered in suede, as well as oversize coats, tailored trousers and other relaxed silhouettes.
Syed explained that the collection is meant to exude a red carpet vibe that he introduced with the previous spring collection. He wanted to continue offering timeless styles that focus on structured suits.
“I’m really inspired by the early 1990s, like the silhouettes of Giorgio Armani and the relaxed fits,” he said. “How do you bring that forward in a way that’s relevant to the way that I really like tailored pieces? That’s where the cross section occurs. I think we nailed it and I’m really excited about it.”
The collection also debuts Saaf Garments’ entry into eyewear. The brand is offering two pairs of sunglasses in black and ivory colors.
Saaf Garments’ fall collection, as well as its previous collections, is made in India by generational tailors. Syed explained it was important to him to work with veteran tailors to pay homage to the South Asian craftsmanship and inspirations behind his collections.
“What I really wanted to do was lean into the expertise of generational artisans and craftsmanship,” Syed said. “India is renowned and known for its tailors and often they’re generational. The clothes are handmade in Delhi, so we had generational tailors doing that. I know them, I speak to them and go and see them, so I know exactly who is making the clothes.”
Syed is using the monthlong NoHo pop-up as a way to connect directly with consumers. Since launch, the brand has operated on a direct-to-consumer model.
Going forward, Syed has many plans to continue growing Saaf Garments. For his next collections, he plans to introduce new colors and modern fabrics to complement the black and ivory styles and will expand his eyewear offerings.
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