'Home'
Inspired by my observations and conversations working with embroidery karigars (artisans) in Delhi, India, this project explores how, in the contemporary craft-fashion systems, immigrant karigars find their 'homes' through the use of their phones. Set in the framework of ancient craft juxtaposed with a modern tool of communication and industrial regions in the city. The 'built' green gardens, where the karigars of fashion take their breaks, are taken as a visual symbol for finding new identity in a new place, and having a place of leisure to communicate.
Timeline : November 2024
Scope of Project: Personal conceptual project
Medium: Print and surface design; garment design
Material: Upcycled trims, Giza cotton satin, Tulle, salvaged tapes and beading.
The embroidery frame or 'adda', along with elements like green gardens, beading material and other tools used for embroidery are taken as inspiration for forms, textures and visuals.
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01. Surface
Exploration
Prints and surface swatches are created through a range of digital prints, cut-outs, applique. Phones were 3D modelled, beading and hand-drawn illustrations were developed into a visual and surface language.
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Karigars of fashion at leisure in the 'built' greens of Noida, an interpretation in ink, watercolour to create print elements
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02. The Adda Dinner Table
Karigars working over a large embroidery frame (adda) is likened to people sitting at a dinner table, where multiple parallel conversations occur, some amongst themselves, and some with their loved ones over the phone.
Illustration made as a textile print (142 x 200 cm), based on the idea of an adda being a dinner table. elements are juxtaposed to emulate the concept further.
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A jacket is made to bring the 'dinner table' to life through a garment form. the base silhouette is made rectangular to accommodate the entire ' table' (Below) Pattern, muslin and garment development.
Final Realized Garment
Dyed cotton chords are attatched at back and sleeves with looped, golden salvaged border. Adda chords are emulated through the criss-cross of chords.
03. Range
Extension
Forms following the nature of swatches and prints are imagined into an extended range of looks. These are inspired further by classic mens' workwear silhouettes.
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