Sia Seth

About the practice

A different way of looking at what we already have. At Basto, we believe some of the most interesting things begin with what already exists. India produces an incredible amount of textiles, fabrics, samples and surplus materials. Many of these have so much more to offer than their original purpose allows. We see possibilities in them—a texture that could become a jacket, leftover fabric that could turn into a pair of trousers, or an unexpected combination that inspires an entirely new design. Basto was born from this way of looking at things. As a fashion and costume designer, my experience across fashion, exports, international brands and filmmaking has shaped how I approach design. Over time, I began questioning the way we make and consume clothing. With so many beautiful materials already available, I wanted to explore a different approach—one that starts with what we have rather than always producing something new. Unlike conventional fashion processes, where a collection often begins with a design concept and a predetermined fabric, our process frequently starts with the material itself. Every material comes with its own character and limitations. A fabric might inspire a silhouette, while another might lead us to experiment with unexpected combinations. Sometimes, the design is immediate. At other times, it takes time to discover what the material wants to become. We work with these limitations rather than against them. For us, this is where design begins. Reimagined Through Design Upcycling is central to Basto, but it is more than a technique. It is a way of recognising the value in materials that already exist and exploring how they can be transformed into something desirable, functional and meaningful. Our inspiration often comes from nature, shadows, structures, textures and unexpected contrasts. We enjoy exploring distinctive shapes and details while keeping comfort and versatility at the heart of our designs. We also embrace gender-neutral design, allowing the garment and the person wearing it to take precedence over conventional categories. The process is never exactly the same. Some designs come together quickly; others require several rounds of sampling and refinement. A fabric may behave differently once cut and stitched, or a limited quantity may require us to rethink the pattern. We believe these discoveries are part of the beauty of making. Small Batches. One-of-a-Kind Pieces. Because we work with materials that are often available in limited quantities, our production follows a different rhythm. We create small batches and limited runs, depending on the materials available. Some designs can be produced in a few pieces, while others become genuinely one of a kind. Variations in texture, print placement, colour and fabric combinations give each garment its own character. Even within the same style, no two pieces are necessarily identical. We are not interested in producing endless quantities of the same garment. We want to make thoughtful pieces that people connect with, wear often and keep for longer. Thoughtful Materials, Conscious Choices We are drawn to textiles with character, from textured cottons and jacquards to printed fabrics and yarn-dyed materials. Where suitable materials are available, we also explore traditional techniques such as Dabu printing with natural dyes. We believe sustainability is not a single material or a label. It is an ongoing process of making better decisions—from using existing resources and reducing unnecessary production to designing versatile garments and encouraging longer use. Upcycling alone does not make a garment sustainable. How materials are sourced, processed, constructed, worn and cared for also matters. We continue to learn and explore ways to make our process more thoughtful. India has an abundance of materials, textile knowledge and craftsmanship. We want to make better use of these resources, giving existing materials a new context through creativity and design. A Slower Way of Living Basto is our exploration of a different relationship with clothing. In a world of constantly changing trends and endless new collections, we believe there is value in slowing down, noticing the details and choosing pieces with intention. For us, luxury is not necessarily about abundance. It can be about the individuality of a material, the thought behind a design, the skill involved in making it and the feeling of finding something that feels distinctly yours. We want our clothes to become part of everyday life—worn in different ways, carried through different experiences and kept beyond a season. Basto is an ongoing journey of discovery, experimentation and rethinking the possibilities of what already exists. Because sometimes, we don’t need to create more. We simply need to look at what we already have a little differently. BASTO — Reimagined from what exists. Made to be worn, kept and lived in.