Learning Textile Design, the student realized craft and field work excited him. Listening to artisan’s stories and witnessing the work firsthand is extremely cathartic. Spending time on field via a few classroom projects, made the student grow more empathetic to the world of artisanship and their practice.
The project was sponsored by Kashmir Loom Company, a craft based brand focusing on quality craftsmanship, contemporary designs & revival initiatives. They majorly worked on pashmina and related crafts. The project brief was to design 2-3 collections of home furnishings for 2022-23 season. The collection must be handcrafted and cater to a customer segment who are conscious buyers, craft appreciators and relate to the European sensibility.
Three collections were conceptualized for the project; Shikara, Maskan and Gulshan. All three collections are inspired by the student’s experience in Kashmir. Each collection focuses on a different aspect of Kashmir and takes different design routes to achieve the contemporary requirement. The Shikara collection is inspired by the Mughal floral jaal and the lotus (also the state flower). The Maskan collection draws inspiration from the architectural vernacular of the region. It deconstructs the elements and reconstructs them in contemporary compositions. The Gulshan collection is an ode to the spring blossoms; it brings together the flora with the most celebrated bird in Kashmir, the Bulbul.
The student started the project by first studying Zalakdozi (chain stitch embroidery). Following this was a market study of both the Kashmiri craft industry and home industry in general. He took forward the inspiration by developing a concept board and then went on to sketch and conceptualize the look of my collection. By simultaneously sampling a few motifs throughout the process to understand the desired embroidered look, the student ultimately arrived at the final samples.
chain stitch, contemporary, craft based, Home furnishing, kashmir
