A fitted bodice gives way to a flared skirt at the natural waist, the join marked by an oval gold buckle that becomes the dress's central piece of hardware.
An espresso-brown knit runs unbroken from neckline to hem, leaving the gold buttons and buckle as the only elements asked to catch the light.
Multicoloured stone earrings from Esme Crystals meet a stacked gold bangle set by Ishhaara, the only ornament colour permitted against the plain dress.
Hairstylist Rachel B Singh sets loose, side-swept waves, while makeup artist Pris Rshimray builds a bronze-toned smoky eye finished with a glossy brown-red lip.
Nude block heels from A & S keep the eye travelling upward, their tone matched closely enough to the dress that the silhouette reads unbroken to the ankle.
Photographer Shekhar frames the shoot while stylists Eka Lakhani and Harshene shape the tailoring choices holding the two-part dress together.