Studio reflections is a monthly dispatch of observations from the fitting room of barostudio___. It’s a log of my learnings where I resist the optimised pull of algorithms and document my process in long form. I choose this space to unpack the politics of visual communication via relevant texts, theory, imagery and conversation. I consider dialogue to be my social currency with this project so if you find yourself having opinions about what you read here, I urge you to engage in the comments or email. This letter is a deeper dive into the pillars of the clothing line, categorical explanations behind the intention and functionality of (almost) each piece and a map of how to navigate building the baro closet. By now, there are a substantial and valuable number of members to this community, and this is my offering to extend insight beyond the visual (instagram posts+stories). If you own a piece from the line, or are planning on purchasing—here is a memo to help you decide and collect with a deeper look into the process.
There are no rules
This is a preamble I want to begin with. Given the rise and popularity of do’s and dont’s, along with the prescriptive directions of how to work something in your closet as a never-failing formula—this letter is simply A perspective of how key pieces from Baro Studio can be imagined, with a heavy dose of discernment from your side.
The entire line can be roughly filed under visual qualities of:
(silhouette) (texture) (colour)
These categories are by no means mutually exclusive, just because one piece falls under the Texture heading doesn’t mean it cant also in the Silhouette category. The concept is that each piece in the existing collection is leading with either texture, silhouette or colour. How you make sense of that in your own closet is up to you, this is an insight into the design intention.
This dispatch continues on from the previous note, onto texture.
Out of the three features of silhouette, texture and colour, texture is arguably the most elusive one to dissect. Simply because texture as a quality is felt before it is visually understood. To attempt explaining the impact of texture, I would have to give a personal account of sensuality, eros and emotion.
Before I delve into the specifics of which texture in the current clothing line emotes what, the value of texture as a witness is important. The use of material is the most tactile feature of apparel and while form and colour are visual attributes that can be conceived via imagery, texture as a tactile medium is necessary to encounter in person, on a human level. Many times, people come into the studio and have said things like “i could not imagine how this felt on the body”, “i was unsure of its feel after looking at the photos” or “this is so different in real life”. And this is exactly why I want to attempt to deliver a long form account of how some pieces live, breathe and sit on the skin.
Texture as a witness.
Our sartorial choices are a physical manifestation of our desire to express and/or function. Shields, masks, tools we use everyday to go about our tasks and move through space and time. Their physical attributes are a witness to our movement, our flow, our speed, our lapses. Texture has a power to serve as an interruption between our inner self and the space we exist in. So, in responding to texture, we drop the logic and tap into that which we know best— to touch.
There are some fabrics that flow with our expectations, and there are some which defy them and create resistance. Fabrication is key for barostudio and here are some examples of what you can expect, in a tactile way of course.
This is not a textile class, it is an insight into how some of the materials we choose move and live on the body.
THIS DISPATCH WILL CONTAIN NO IMAGES, TEXTURE IS EMOTIVE AND YOU MAY PERCEIVE THIS THROUGH YOUR OWN LENS OF TACTILE UNDERSTANDING
TRENCH TRUCKER
This number is what I am starting with because it is the one which goes against most expectations of what to expect from a trench. It is not the traditional gabardine, water resistant fabric, the barostudio trench trucker is fused and double lined linen! This is interesting because people usually reserve linen for more relaxed fits that are traditionally not really lined. Here, linen interrupts a known narrative: what a trench should feel like. The juxtaposition is intentional — a relaxed fabric reimagined into a structured, elevated form. It’s been wholeheartedly embraced by those who wear it.
RANO SETS
This co-ord of a masculine construction and softened details is the most wide ranging piece in terms of texture. This has been done in cotton satin as well as finer cotton viscose blends, to achieve the drape and fall on the body. However, the plain colours of these sets have all been done in a fabric that brings in the visual element of gloss, sheen and a liquid like feel. This has been, I believe the most attractive feature of this item because on a human level, I am convinced we are drawn to molten-esque aquatic elements of liquidity and shine. The fabric on the body feels extremely comfortable despite the satin on the outer being a poly blend, the inner is cotton and so it serves as an interesting reminder that something that looks so high volume, can actually feel deeply comfortable on the skin.
SHCEZ TOPS
These shirts are made from medium weight poplin with a mild stretch. The great feature about this is that the crispiness of the cotton gets exaggerated by the silhouette of this piece, making it a bodily treat to be under. The form of this shirt, with the voluminous kimono cut on the sleeves, gives so much room for the crispy cotton, that as you move in it, it lightly grazes your shoulders making you feel held, firm and sorted.
BALLOON PANT
The tropical nature of this pant in a light suiting fabric surprises many who own it. The look of this fabric at first glance seems medium to heavy weight, however given the shape of this ovular piece, the fabric stays away from the body for the most part, making it well ventilated. The tropical fabric gives it an anti wrinkle quality, making it revert back to its shape, pleats and all—even after movement.
THE RANO SHIRT
The cotton crepe on this button up shirt is doing most of the heavy lifting. The perfect grain on the crepe, the drape on the shoulders, the length of the sleeve and the circular back of this cocooned shirt makes wearing it an actual delight. The appeal of this piece is how the fabric plays with the body, interacts with the skin and just drops to shape you at your peripheries in the most exciting of ways. The crepe doesn’t feel too fancy, the slight sheerness allows for those with a playful appetite and the unassuming grain gives it that perfect bit of friction every outfit needs. A personal favourite for me if its wasn’t already obvious.
THE JIRO WRAP SET
The last one of this series, the jiro wrap commands presence — and its fabric does the same. Made from a cotton-linen and linen-jute blend, the slightly open weave and medium weight support the volume of the construction. Especially in the pants, this weight is crucial — it carries the pleats with purpose. If made in a lighter weight fabric, the intensity of this construction would be compromised. Which is why, this is one piece that has a through line of strength, grace and seriousness in both its silhouette and its fabrication. No juxtapositions here. Pure business. The construction of the asymmetric pants makes way for a very specific tactile experience, with one leg grazing the lower shin with each step. Following the theme of asymmetry, the jiro wrap top shows off its darted construction on the front flap, perfectly held by the weight of this fabric. Since this is an entirely button-less ensemble, the wrap ties are necessary features which must be of the right weight to secure this on the body. Despite its weight, it remains easy — comfortable even in peak summer.
Next time you intentionally clothe yourself, think about how the material interrupts you. Does it remind you of your bodily presence randomly during the day? Does it serve your agenda? Does it challenge your notions of yourself and the world around you? Does it build your inner world or disrupt it?
No wrong answers.
A textural sound trip for you
Keep an eye out for the next, till then
Malaeka x