Conversation with Forbúri Paris: a vision of effortless elegance

Conceived as a response to a fashion saturated with trends, the brand develops a sensitive, sustainable and deeply personal wardrobe — where each piece is inscribed in time and in gesture.

At the crossroads of Paris and the South of France, between structure and fluidity, Forbúri offers another temporality: that of a discreet, instinctive, almost silent luxury.

Conversation with Nivya Thattandi Manickam & Arjun Madhavan, Founders and artistic directors of Forbúri Paris , a brand that redefines the essential.

If Forbúri Paris were a sensation, a moment, or an image, what would it be?

Nivya and Arjun: If Forbúri Paris was a sensation, it would be that golden light just before sunset in Paris, that moment when the city seems to slow down, suspended between calm and possibility.

It is also an emotion: that of a cool breeze in summer, or the sensation of quenching your thirst with fresh orange juice.

Forbúri evokes a confidence that doesn't need to be announced. It's not a trend, but the art of appreciating effortless elegance.

In a nutshell: fresh, effortless and elevated.

It often all starts with an intention. What was the triggering moment?

Nivya: The moment Forbúri had to exist was born from a personal need. I love fashion, but I was looking for pieces that were both unique and timeless, elegant yet effortless.

Clothes that can be worn boldly or simply, while still maintaining their presence.

My husband, who works in sourcing and production, and I also became aware of the realities of textile manufacturing. We wanted to create something thoughtful, sustainable, and designed to last.

That's how Forbúri was born.

You draw inspiration from both the South of France and the Parisian spirit. How do these two worlds meet?

Nivya and Arjun: As a Parisian brand, structure and refinement are naturally part of our identity. Paris provides us with clean, minimalist lines and a form of understated sophistication.

For our first collection, the South of France profoundly influenced the emotional landscape. The movement of the turquoise sea, the sun-drenched facades, the warmth of the sand…

All of this is reflected in the silhouettes, in the movement of the fabrics, in the soothing color palettes and in the almost architectural lines.

Beyond aesthetics, the South also brings a philosophy: a form of effortless elegance, a balance between ease and refinement.

Forbúri positions itself beyond trends. What message do you want to convey to those who wear your pieces?

Nivya: Above all, I want to convey a sense of ownership, as if each piece had been designed specifically for the person wearing it.

More than anything, I want her to feel comfortable and at ease. A calm, natural confidence that comes from effortless elegance.

There is also a deeper satisfaction: that of wearing a durable piece, carefully thought out and designed to last over time.

Your silhouettes are minimalist, but punctuated with unexpected details. What role do they play?

Nivya and Arjun: The unexpected details are intentional interruptions.

A subtle seam, a precise cut, a variation in texture… these are discreet elements that invite a second look.

They prevent the garment from being generic and give it a personality.

It is through these details that we tell our story, without excess—where minimalism becomes memorable.

You often mention slow living. How does this philosophy influence your work?

Nivya and Arjun: Our collections are not designed in haste, and we are not looking to produce in quantity.

We favour a thoughtful approach: fewer parts, but better designed.

Sustainability and longevity are at the heart of our process, rather than speed or volume.

Forbúri creates a dialogue between France and India. What do you wish to express through this link?

Nivya and Arjun: Beyond fashion, we want to express harmony. The idea that two cultures, even different ones, can coexist in balance.

France brings structure, restraint, and understated elegance. India brings a wealth of expertise, profound craftsmanship, and a strong emotional dimension.

Through this dialogue, we want to show that elegance can carry a story, and that know-how has no borders.

Forbúri Paris imposes a silent truth: that of an elegance that no longer seeks to follow, but simply to last.