The Aoi Top is designed to make confidence feel effortless. Part of the Insane Shell Japanese Collection, it combines a softly structured silhouette with long, fluid sleeves and an adjustable waist that allows the wearer to define the garment on their own terms.
Its cerulean colour carries the stillness of deep water and the openness of a clear sky. The upper body remains clean and composed, while curved seams travel towards the waist, shaping the fabric without making it feel restrictive. At the sides, slender ties draw the garment closer to the body, creating subtle openings between the fitted upper section and the sculptural waist panel.
The result is a top that feels strong without becoming severe, expressive without sacrificing comfort, and distinctive enough to carry an entire look.
MEANING & INSPIRATION : The name Aoi is drawn from the Japanese language and its association with the colour blue. For this piece, the name becomes an expression of clarity, calmness and quiet confidence.
The design takes inspiration from the balance often found within Japanese clothing—where a garment can be restrained through the body yet dramatic through movement. The fitted torso provides control, while the expansive sleeves and adjustable side ties introduce freedom.
Rather than relying on surface decoration, the Aoi Top creates its identity through colour, proportion and construction.
FABRIC : Crafted from a soft, comfortable fabric selected for its smooth hand feel and graceful movement. The material rests gently against the body while retaining enough structure to support the curved seams, shaped waist panel and wide sleeves.
Its refined surface gives the cerulean colour depth, allowing the shade to appear softer in shadow and more vivid when it meets the light.
COLOUR : Available in Cerulean—a rich blue positioned between the clarity of the sky and the depth of water.
The colour was chosen to communicate composure and confidence. It is vivid enough to create presence, yet controlled enough to remain sophisticated and versatile.
Please note that the appearance of cerulean may shift slightly under warm, cool or natural lighting.
SPECIAL CONSTRUCTION : The Aoi Top is built through multiple shaped panels rather than a simple straight body. Curved seams begin beneath the arms and travel inward towards the waist, following the natural contours of the torso.
A broad front waist panel forms the architectural centre of the garment. Its clean rectangular surface contrasts with the curved upper seams, creating definition through structure rather than heavy internal shaping.
The sides remain partially open and are secured with slender self-fabric ties. These ties allow the waist to be adjusted according to the wearer’s comfort while adding movement and detail around the body.
SLEEVES : Long, dramatically flared sleeves create the top’s most fluid element. They begin with a controlled line at the shoulder and gradually widen towards the wrist, forming a generous bell-shaped opening.
The sleeves respond to every movement of the arms, bringing softness to the more defined torso. Their length and volume are intentional, giving the top a confident, ceremonial presence without compromising ease.
SHAPE : Designed with a clean round neckline, defined shoulders, a gently fitted upper body and a sculptural waist-length finish.
The central waist panel sits close to the body, while the lower edge releases slightly to create a subtle flare over the waist. Open sides and adjustable ties prevent the structured construction from feeling rigid.
FIT : Shaped through the chest and waist, with adjustable side ties that allow the wearer to personalise the fit. The sleeves remain deliberately loose and expansive.
Select your regular size for the intended silhouette. Tighten the side ties for greater waist definition or leave them slightly relaxed for additional ease. If you require alterations to the chest, waist, sleeve length or body length, choose the CUSTOM option.
CONFIDENCE & COMFORT : The Aoi Top is designed to create confidence through balance. Its shaped front gives the body definition, while the soft fabric, open sides and adjustable ties allow comfortable movement.
Nothing about the fit is intended to force the body into a fixed form. The wearer decides how closely the top sits at the waist, making confidence part of the garment’s function rather than simply its appearance.
STYLING : Pair the Aoi Top with wide black trousers to emphasise its cerulean colour and dramatic sleeves, or style it with a long tonal skirt for a more fluid composition. Its fitted waist also works particularly well with high-rise tailoring.
The trousers, footwear and accessories shown in the imagery are not included.
ORIGINAL DESIGN : The Aoi Top is an original Insane Shell creation developed as part of our Japanese Collection. Its curved body panels, adjustable side ties, architectural waist section and expansive bell sleeves have been designed specifically for this garment.
It is a contemporary design informed by Japanese principles of balance and considered proportion, rather than a reproduction of a traditional garment.
MAN HOURS / PRODUCTION TIMELINE : Each Aoi Top is made only after an order has been placed and requires approximately 5–7 days to create. Time is dedicated to shaping and aligning the curved panels, constructing the adjustable sides and refining the wide sleeves so they fall with the intended movement.
CUSTOMISATION OPTION : Conscious of our environmental responsibility, Insane Shell is a 100% made-to-order brand. Every piece ordered through our website is created specifically for you.
Our standard size chart is designed to accommodate a wide range of body types. If you require alterations, select the CUSTOM option while placing your order, and our team will contact you for the necessary measurements and details.
DELIVERY TIMELINE : Once the product has been completed and shipped, delivery requires approximately 3–15 days, depending on your location and the applicable courier service. We deliver across India and internationally.
The 5–7 day production period is separate from the delivery timeline.
EXPEDITED DELIVERY : If you require expedited shipping with an estimated transit time of 2–3 days, please contact our customer care team with your delivery location and required date before placing your order. We will review the current production schedule and available courier services and assist you wherever possible. Expedited delivery is subject to production feasibility, courier availability and destination.
PLEASE NOTE : The open sides and visible ties are intentional elements of the design. The amount of opening may change depending on how closely the ties are fastened and the wearer’s individual proportions.
Due to the made-to-order construction, slight variations in the position and length of the ties may occur. These differences are not imperfections; they reflect the individual making of every piece.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS : Professional dry cleaning only. Do not wash, soak, wring or tumble dry. Iron at a low temperature from the reverse side using a protective cloth. Do not pull the side ties excessively or hang the garment by its sleeves.
Store the top on a padded hanger with the ties loosely fastened to help preserve the shaped waist and shoulder structure.
EXCHANGE & RETURN : We offer a free exchange within 30 days of delivery in case of sizing issues or damage. We do not accept returns because every garment is created specifically after an order has been placed. When a made-to-order piece is returned or left unaccepted, it risks becoming waste—and that is something we do not wish to promote.
