OCT'2018 - NOV'2020
ROLE - ASSISTANT TEXTILE DESIGNER
INDUSTRY MENTOR - GAURANG SHAH
Gaurang is a luxury brand presenting a bold reinvention of heritage handwoven Sarees and Indian outfits. It’s the first brand to introduce indigenous weaves from various clusters of India to mainstream fashion in the national and international arena.
Gaurang Shah is a fearless artist who never steps back from exploring and creating new works of art through textiles.
Being an Indian craft enthusiast, Gaurang is my role model. When I got the opportunity to work with him, I realized and experienced amazing things not just in terms of work but in life too.
My role in his studio was to create hand-drawn designs for woven Sarees and Indian outfits, one piece at a time. The brief for each design is different, and we worked on a single piece rather than a collection of designs. Designs align with the heritage textiles, rare pieces of intricate expert craftsmanship.
Ideating new themes and concepts
Hand sketching designs
Color coding of designs with dyed yarns
Planning Outfit ensembles
Designing Textile accessories like Potli bags, Cushion Covers, Tassels, etc.
CRAFT
Kalamkari : A handpainted textile from Srikalahasti, Andhra Pradesh
DESIGN BRIEF
To design a Kalamkari saree of length 6.5mtrs and width 48 inches.
Being familiar with the technique and design sensibilities of Kalamkari through a previous workshop I attended in 2014, this design is yet unique because I hand-painted the OUTLINE of this 6.5mtr saree all by myself.
2. Making the Design Pattern
1. Reference Image
{provided to me}
Final product on display
4. Handover of saree for color filling to the Kalamkari Artisans in Kalahasti
3. Self hand-painting the outline design on the fabric.
CRAFT
Banarasi Brocade Weaving
DESIGN BRIEF
To design a saree of length 5.5mtrs and width 48 inches, with no separate pallu desion.
DESIGN INSPIRATION
To create a design inspired by carpet motifs and a concentric jaali of Persian influence.
Banaras sarees are traditionally seen with butahs and flowy borders. This work of art aimed to break that norm by creating a seamless pattern of Persian jaali work. Also, the motifs a beautiful blend of flora and jaali butahs
Layout plan for the saree
{provided to me}
Steps of Design Development
Final design
An unusual design aimed at covering the entire surface area of the base fabric using Khadi Jamdani as a technique, which is highly unconventional. The pattern occupies around 90-95% of the textile
CRAFT
Khadi Jamdani Saree,
Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
DESIGN BRIEF
To design a saree covering almost the whole of the base fabric
Also, color coding the motifs & setting of yarns
DESIGN INSPIRATION
To create a design inspired by a garden full of flowers, just like how the Mughal gardens are.
Initial Design Pattern
Color Coding Process
Final Product on Display
CRAFT
Kanjeevaram Silk Weaving
DESIGN INSPIRATION
Fusion of animals with antique jewellery designs
Kanjeevaram sarees are an epitome of pure mulberry silk with traditional Gold butahs.
These set of motifs are an attempt to explore gold & silver zari in the traditional Dhoop-Chau effect
Border 1
Border 2
CRAFT
Petite Point Embroidery
Local women artisans
of Hyderabad
DESIGN BRIEF
To design a border of width 3 inches and length of 36 inches
DESIGN INSPIRATION
To create intertwining creepers of different flowers, playing around with buds, bunches and single flowers.
Tassels are made for LEHENGAS, DRESSES & BLOUSES
Each one is made uniquely based on garment's fabrics, style and color scheme in mind
FOR LEHENGA WAISTLINE
FOR DRESS BACK NECKLINE
INTRODUCING FABRIC TOY TASSELS FOR KIDSWEAR
FOR SAREE & LEHENGA BLOUSES