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DETACHABLE DESIGN AS A NEW LANGUAGE OF LUXURY

by Bela Shehu on July 21, 2025

In a world of constant transition—between roles, moods, and environments—our clothing has the power to either resist or respond. At NINObrand, we’ve always believed that garments are not just coverings, but companions. Since the very first designs, a quiet revolution has been emerging from within our studio: detachable design—an architectural language of versatility and emotion.

The New Quiet Luxury

"Quiet luxury" is often mistaken for understatement. But for us, it’s not just a muted palette or the absence of logos—it's the presence of intention. It's the luxury of living with less, but better. It's the architecture of a garment that understands you, molds to your day, and offers more than one way in.

In a culture obsessed with newness, true luxury is adaptability.

Photo collage of an outfit designed by NINObrand of an extra long sleeve light jacket with detachable sleeves paired with white oversized pants.
Japanese cotton flannel jacket with detachable sleeves by NINObrand.

What Is Detachable Design?

Detachable clothing refers to garments with modular elements—convertible pants that become shorts, a dress that morphs into a top and skirt, or sleeves that slip off when the sun finally breaks through the clouds. It’s playful, functional, and quietly radical.

Once relegated to the realm of utilitarian workwear or travel gear, modular fashion is now at the center of runway innovation. Designers at houses like Courrèges and Peter Do are revisiting the trench coat as a modular canvas. Even Rihanna stepped out in what trend-watchers are calling the “Frankentrench,” complete with layered components and exaggerated forms. But this isn’t just about shock or novelty—it’s about a shift in values.

Two photos of two different versions of the fashion trending Frankentrench. A stylish Modular Trench Coat by Ahiri and a striking example from The Guardian showcasing a cropped trench coat with cape-like extensions—a clear nod to the Frankentrench concept.
Left: A modular trench coat by Ahiri that deconstructs traditional tailoring into layered versatility. Right: A sculptural, John Lewis cape-draped trench—a contemporary homage to the Frankentrench's spirit of transformation.

Fashion That Listens

There is something intimate—almost poetic—about a garment that responds to your day.

Maybe you begin the morning in structured trousers and, as the day unfolds, unzip them into a softer silhouette. Maybe a detachable sleeve helps you bridge the awkward microseasons. Maybe the simple act of transforming your outfit becomes a moment of pause, of presence, of honoring how you feel.

This is not just aesthetic—it’s emotional craftsmanship. When clothing offers options, it honors complexity. It says: I see your change. I support your transitions. I’m here with you.

Left: A modular take on utility by Porta—pants that unzip into shorts, rethinking silhouette and seasonality. Right: Melitta Baumeister’s sculptural jacket reimagines outerwear with dramatic, removable sleeves and a commanding volume.

Sustainability Through Adaptability

One of the most sustainable things we can do as consumers is to buy less. But that doesn’t mean wanting less—it means wanting more from what we own. A single NINObrand piece can offer three looks, not because it’s trying to trick the eye, but because it’s designed to work with the flow of a real life.

Detachable clothing reduces wardrobe bulk, encourages thoughtful consumption, and deepens our relationship to what we wear. And when we cherish something—when it feels smart, adaptable, and artful—we keep it longer.

NINObrand’s long sheer jacket with detachable sleeves blurs the line between structure and softness—transforming from jacket to vest with ease.

A Philadelphia Perspective

Rooted in Philadelphia’s vibrant yet unpretentious creative ecosystem, NINObrand stands at the intersection of art, utility, and emotional depth. We aren’t trying to shout—we’re trying to listen. And in the quiet hum of our studio, we hear that people are craving garments that meet them where they are.

Style Suggestions: The Day-to-Night Code

Need inspiration? Try styling our signature Liv top for a morning meeting, then unzip it to reveal a easy, feminine look for a gallery opening. Pack our Polina dress for your trip — it effortlessly converts into a separate top and skirt.

We’ll be sharing more styling rituals soon—because yes, we consider getting dressed a ritual.

NINObrand's iconic Liv top that transforms into a dress.

Golden Nugget

What if your clothing wasn’t static, but alive with possibility?
What if luxury was less about having the perfect item, and more about owning something that could shift, breathe, and evolve with you?

In this season—and every one to follow—transformable design isn’t just a feature. It’s a philosophy. A love letter to change.

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