The OLIO Stories is a brand that was born of the friendship between Aashna Singh and Sneha Saksena, who share similar ideas and design philosophies. Their distinctive clothing and accessories bring together design, humour and functionality. The contemporary women’s wear brand does not create clothes based on collections, trends or seasons but rather an idea or a story. Past stories have included Grid, Dot, Binary and Circus. We sat the girls down for a rapid-fire, to get a better sense of the personalities behind the brand.



AASHNA SINGH

Can’t start your day without?

Browsing through all social media and networking channels. What you can’t leave home without?

​Playing with my dogs Your average day?

​Doesn't exist! Every day is different. What does Olio mean to you?

​A miscellaneous collection of things. Olio’s design philosophy, in 5 words?

​Contemporary, graphic, comfortable, easy, happy.

Asma Dress from OLIO stories



Where do you spend the most time?

​At our spanking new studio/shop space in Lado Sarai!

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Someone you would love to collaborate with?

​We refer to our collections as stories rather than being based on seasons or trends so maybe working with an author or writer would be interesting.

Favourite design destination?

Berlin.

Favourite meal?

​That's like asking me to pick a favourite child! Any curry + rice combination, from any cuisine, makes me the happiest.

The perfect Sunday?

​A long run followed by fish curry and binging on Netflix (with a nap thrown in)!

The perfect outfit is...

One you feel comfortable and confident in.



Arcade Dress from Olio Stories

Best movie you’ve seen recently?

Arrival



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Whose room would you love to have (from a TV show or movie)?

Margot's room in The Royal Tenenbaums.



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A celebrity you would love to invite over for dinner?

​Snoop Dogg (Lion)?



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Where do you shop?

​I don't - I'm lucky enough to be able to make my own clothes!

Favourite travel destination?

​Thailand - always and forever.

Beach or the mountains?

Beach.

Vintage or high-tech?

​High Tech.

Bold or subtle?

Subtle.

Prints or solids?

​A bit of both!

Colour or neutrals?

​A bit of both.



Bar Boots from Olio Stories

Who is the Olio woman?

​The OLIO woman is confident, interesting and happy. She prefers the simple things in life: good design and functionality, music and art.

Guilty pleasure?

​Nutella and The Mindy Project!

What are you reading right now?

​I'm so excited to be kicking off The Conqueror Series by Conn Iggulden. I love a good series!



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Your style, in 3 words?

​Chill, feminine, weird.

What does Discern Living mean to you?

It’s a place to explore and learn about décor and design.



SNEHA SAKSENA

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Can’t start your day without?

My morning playlist.

What you can’t leave home without?

Dancing in my room for at least 5 minutes!

Your average day?

I'll share my highs and lows. Best part: 7 am yoga. Worst part: hours of traffic.

What does Olio mean to you?

A miscellaneous collection of things.

Olio’s design philosophy, in 5 words?

Minimal yet detailed, modern, effortless and functional

Where do you spend the most time?

At the OLIO storeys, our design studio + shop space.

Someone you would love to collaborate with?

Lisa Gorman (Australian fashion designer).



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Favourite design destination?

Spain, for its stunning Gaudi architecture.

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Favourite meal?

Sushi + ice cold beer!

The perfect Sunday?

Is spent in a park with a book and my headphones.

The perfect outfit?

An oversized dress, a simple piece of jewellery and sneakers.

Best movie you’ve seen recently?

Wild Tales.

Whose room would you love to have (from a TV show or movie)?

Hey Arnold! - Nickelodeon

A celebrity you would love to invite over for dinner?

David Bowie

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Where do you shop?

I generally make and wear my own clothes.

Favourite travel destination(s)?

Varkala, Kerala and Sintra, Portugal.

Varkala, Kerala

Sintra, Portugal



Beach or the mountains?

Beach.

Vintage or high-tech?

High-tech.

Bold or subtle?

Subtle.



Balance Earrings from Olio Stories

Prints or solids?

Solids.

Colour or neutrals?

Neutrals (grey specifically).

Who is the Olio woman?

She is strong, happy, and gets work done.

Guilty pleasure?

BAGS of chips!

What are you reading right now?

Ishmael by Daniel Quinn.

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Your style in 3 words?

Muted, structured and geometric.

What does Discern Living mean to you?

The most comprehensive décor destination I’ve seen in India.

