In an exclusive chat with The Pioneer, designer Akshat Bansal, the visionary behind label Bloni, opens up about his latest collection for the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. Known for his futuristic yet rooted approach, Bansal speaks candidly about sustainability, individuality and his ever-evolving relationship with fashion
Tejal Sinha
tejal.sinha30@gmail.com
At the intersection of bold creativity, cultural heritage, and sustainability stands designer Akshat Bansal, the mind behind the experimental fashion label Bloni. Known for challenging conventions and blurring binaries, Bansal’s latest showcase at the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour is a powerful tribute to individuality. In an exclusive conversation with The Pioneer, he delves into the philosophy behind his collection—where ancient materials meet futuristic forms—and reflects on everything from Himalayan inspirations and Lady Gaga dreams to India’s evolving couture identity.
“Individuality in fashion is in its very foundation,” Bansal begins, describing the essence of the new collection. “It is an Imaginarium where individuality can crisscross identities and beings very easily, lending a kind of fluidity that builds a new kind of collective that can exist across dimensions.”
His signature aesthetic often merges the unconventional with the sustainable. Speaking about the personality of the new collection, he offers an intriguing perspective: “Sustainability is an important and evolving facet for Bloni. This collection sees an overwhelming use of earth materials—naturally occurring stones and crystals—along with textiles like felt wool, the oldest known textile in civilization, and new pressed silks. The one personality that could define this collection would be that of a fluid personality, one who can effortlessly shift appearances and existences.” When it comes to dream collaborations, Bansal doesn’t hesitate. “I would like to dress up beyond all—Lady Gaga,” he says with conviction, highlighting the kind of global, avant-garde appeal he aligns with. True to form, his rebellious spirit in fashion shines through when asked what rule he enjoys breaking. His answer? “Stereotype.”
Though known for pushing boundaries, Bansal says he’s never hesitated to present a bold design. “Not really. I think the idea of Bloni is the idea of bringing what’s not there—and why be fearful about it then?” His confidence is unshakeable, and it reflects in the narrative woven into every stitch of his work. As AI and digital fashion disrupt traditional fashion models, Bansal takes a balanced view: “It’s a cautious shift towards adopting AI and digital fashion, mostly to see these tech advancements as a collaborative process rather than antagonistic—to see its inputs and outputs across production and presentation processes.”
When asked to pick a favorite from his Blenders Pride Fashion Tour showcase, Bansal finds it impossible to name just one. “Each piece in this collection is like my baby—I love them all,” he admits. “What truly excites me is how we’ve merged earthy crystals with something incredibly organic, while still achieving a fresh, futuristic look. It’s about reconnecting with the past while embracing the future—reviving traditional craftsmanship, innovating it to make it global, and ensuring it endures for generations to come.”
His deep sense of heritage doesn’t bind him—it expands his perspective. “I take pride in being Indian while also seeing myself as a global citizen. When people ask me where I grew up, I say, ‘I’m still growing up.’ And to me, that’s exactly what fashion is about—constant evolution.”
His creative journey began in an unexpected place. “The inception of Bloni happened when I was in the Himalayas and got stuck on a snow-covered mountain. That was so inspiring—it was the birth of Bloni,” he recalls.
When it comes to potential cross-industry collaborations, Bansal looks to the future—perhaps even space. “I have always been fascinated by the idea of food as pills—all necessary nutrients packed in a small pill. Something that is easy for consumption on earth and in space,” he shares.
Despite the futuristic lean in his ideas, Bansal addresses a common misconception about his brand. “A lot of people think we are a futuristic brand. I don’t think we are. We are very relevant today, and people need to step out of the comfort zone and be themselves.”
Looking ahead, Bansal hints at an exciting new chapter for Bloni. “We’re getting into the realm of being a proper couture brand—and you saw signs of it in this collection at Blenders Pride Fashion Tour today. Also, to be very artisanal and couture.”
With bold ideas, a sustainable heart, and an eye firmly on evolution, Akshat Bansal continues to redefine what it means to be a designer in today’s fashion world—one fearless step at a time.
