Geometry of fashion:
An exploration of identity
-copy-(3)-copy-(1)-copy.png)
This collection is an exploration of identity through stories told by my grandmother. Quarantine gave me the chance to spend quality time with my grandmother. Sharing stories of similar and dissimilar experiences has been my way of not only exploring but reclaiming identity. Each of the garments in this collection narrates a different phase in her life – starting from her childhood, through her teenage years, till present day. For each of the garments, I asked her to say a few words as narratives for these formative parts of her life. This exchange has allowed me to coidentify with her in many ways and has been an antidote to feelings of rootlessness. Each garment is constructed with simple geometric shapes.
1. Rectangle garment: Play time passed
Process
materials: polyester, cotton, garden net
“When I think of my childhood days, they seem very different than yours. I used to climb trees, chase monkeys and birds and pluck fresh mangoes and amrood (guavas). Jitne bhi khaate the, kaafi nahi hote the (there was no such thing as too many mangoes). Sometimes we would fall and get hurt but that never bothered us. We’d wash our wounds and put cobwebs in place of Band-Aids. For pimples we would use pissa neem (neem paste). Khelte samay kuch bhi hota kisi ko parvah nahi thi (we didn’t care what happened during play). But times have changed – whether for good or bad – it's hard to tell.” – Dadi (grandmother)
2. square garment: Privilege and Protection
materials: cotton, shisha (glass)
“My teenage years remind me of my time at English medium schools, with kids from upper class families. We would try to imitate the British, acting like pucca sahibs. We were blind to the realities of a newly independent India. Another thing that strikes me is that my family was very protective of me. I was escorted through school, college and even after marriage. Many things have changed since, but all of you are as protective of me as my parents used to me, and what used to be irksome once is now much appreciated.” – Dadi]
3. evergreen thumb
materials: cotton dyed in tea, iron on vinyl, net
“My love for nature has grown with me. Gardening is my hobby, and it is helping me get through quarantine. I derive a sense of comfort and safety from it the in the same way that I do from you. For me, my plants are like my babies – they are a part of me. Also, for me, nature has always meant freedom – through play as a child, and now through my gardening.” – Dadi
Process
