Misty mornings, prayers drifting from temple speakers, neighbours gathering beneath a village tree and the scent of dinner wafting through open courtyards. These are the memories Patwant Singh Malhans carries from Punjab, where family, community and the small rituals of everyday life shaped his understanding of belonging.

Following his family’s migration to Australia in 2010, Patwant lives on Kaurna Country in Adelaide, where his heritage remains inseparable from his creative identity. Working across fashion, photography, storytelling and art direction, his culture informs everything from the turban he wears to the creative decisions he makes.

Authenticity sits at the heart of Patwant’s practice, from fashion and visual storytelling to collaborations with fellow creatives. One memorable project with his friend Sukh combined film photography, spoken-word poetry and chance encounters with strangers, celebrating the beauty of letting real life lead.

Through his emerging brand Darzi, Patwant hopes to build something beyond clothing, bringing together craftsmanship, culture and community. In a world quick to turn difference into spectacle, his vision is refreshingly simple: cultural expression doesn’t always need an explanation. Sometimes, it deserves the freedom to simply exist.