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My project focused on designing textile souvenir products inspired from the plants and animals from SPG Mangrove Park in Mumbai. The souvenir shop was an important component of the larger interpretive program currently underway.
The objective was to develop both unique and site-specific designs for the souvenir shop at the SPG Mangrove Park as well as to introduce and develop innovative techniques to diversify the product range. My assignment involved understanding the oft misunderstood mangrove ecosystem, as well as areas of design and innovation, production and marketing and striking a balance between them.
The initial phase involved the study of different shops, the vast and varied product range, and existing traditional and modern textiles in relation with the motifs inspired from wildlife, production techniques like digital printing, laser cutting, digital embroidery etc. I designed fourteen collections and the final deliverables included scarves, t-shirts, bags, bandanas, bed sheets, bedcovers, quilts, cushions, diaries, art prints and handkerchiefs.
The challenge I faced was to make high-end, high value products without in-house production units. Finding reliable suppliers and vendors who cared for quality and time constraints was a nerve racking experience. The lessons learned from financial and time constraints, and administrative hurdles made me see for myself the difference between desirability and feasibility and to seek a healthy balance between the two.
My project was an invaluable opportunity to add meaning to each souvenir while interacting on a regular basis with some of the best minds in wildlife, environment, conservation management and design. |