India, June 28 -- Fashion has always swung between polish and imperfection. After restrained elegance, designers are embracing something altogether more relaxed. The evidence is everywhere: Harry Styles with his raffia tote, Chanel's Cruise 2026/27 collection inspired by the seaside town of Biarritz, and a steady stream of woven textures, artisanal accessories and fisherman sandals appearing across runways and street style. From luxury runways to celebrity wardrobes, the fisherman aesthetic is emerging as fashion's latest obsession.

Far removed from the polished French Riviera fantasy of traditional nautical dressing, the fisherman aesthetic draws inspiration from the working coast. Fashion designer Ashna Vaswani explains, "While the pre...