The brand's core intention is to showcase the human touch in the garment creation process, in contrast to the mechanization of the fashion industry. The culture of exploitation, which is rampant in the cotton industry, served as a driving force for Curry to seek out cotton alternatives and international textiles.

The Indian Khadi fabric, which is hand-loomed, played a pivotal role in the first collection of AIREI, exemplifying the unique artistry and craftsmanship that is at the core of the brand. The name AIREI is derived from a Greek phrase that translates to "to cut away” and "to lift up.”

It represents the brand's focus on the imperfection of hand craftsmanship, as evidenced by the raw edge seams, unstructured tailoring, and unconventional stitching details that are integral to AIREI's deconstructed aesthetic. Drawing inspiration from Joseph Beuys' performance piece "I Like America and America Likes Me," Curry seeks to bring humanity together through his designs.

Drew Curry named his latest collection, which marked his second presentation in Paris, fourth overall, and first following his LVMH Prize semi-finalist nomination, "Sunflower Gardens." The collection was inspired by a building in Calcutta where the designer had lived years ago, during a formative period when he volunteered for non-profits and created his first cut-and-sew pieces.

The collection aimed to embody the duality of comfort and safety, and adventure and risk, which Sunflower Gardens represented for Curry. To achieve this, he artfully combined delicate and sturdy materials. For instance, a chore coat was covered with two gauze layers that will be worn down to expose pockets.

The collection's lushly textured lineup included a black, double-layer open-knit sweater, a long crocodile green Japanese wool jacket, and Kurta Pyjama pants in saffron. Workwear caps and hand-knit bucket hats completed the look. Curry primarily used different shades of black and saffron, a color on India's flag associated with the renunciation of earthly life.

For the presentation of Airei's collection, Curry lined a room in the creative hub 3537 with 34 beds resembling Nirmal Hriday, Mother Teresa's non-profit to house the dying with dignity. Half of the show looks were laid out on the undone beds, and the rest hung from the ceiling.

Curry's approach to design emphasizes the human touch, and he deftly worked with a range of fabrics, including wool jacquard, Japanese denim, khadi silk, and recycled cashmere. He also incorporated delicate stitches that spelled out words such as "destiny" or outlined Mother Teresa's bedroom.

"I am with Airei trying to explore the human experience," Curry said. "The clothing is what's left behind after we leave here."