Lost City

An Indian born Afghan living in New York, Afshan Durrani’s collections invoke a certain sense of nostalgia. Rebellious since childhood, Afshan refused to conform to the familial career assigning. So she decided to become a textile designer, rather than walking about with a stethoscope. An alumnus of the Fashion Institute of Technology, New York, Afshan’s label – Lost City Products is a tribute to lost cultures, exemplary craftsmanship of artisans and all things beautiful that are slowly fading into oblivion.

‘It’s not just a nod to one city, but many fading cities, their art, their unsung heroes and traditions. Our products are a balance of refined design, exceptional workmanship, earth friendly production techniques and an ethical work ethos,’ shares Afshan.

Her artistic sensibility is avant-garde and experimental, informed by her love for art, punk rock and Persian literature. Her favourite collection to date is the Forensic Pillows – inspired by Goth Couture, she says, ‘I was looking to create pillows as pieces of modern art. The concept is macabre and foreboding but the execution is absolutely marvellous.’ Lost City Products boasts of a formidable interior designing clientele, including Ralph Lauren Home, Robert Couturier and Peter Marino. Afshan was also commissioned to work for Ty Warner’s penthouse at Four Seasons Hotel, New York._

By: Radhika Iyengar
Follow me on twitter @ radziyengar