Tag: minimalism

08
Apr

Handpicked alchemy: 5 best jewelry labels in India

From elephantine tusk figurines to antelope necklaces, these 5 labels have adopted animal motifs from mythology, long tropical leaves into metallurgy and curated a bespoke Indian versatility for the discerning consumer, all within the framework of unconventional meets conventional.


Among them is En Inde, an Indo-french philosophy manifested in mathematical shapes enclosed in Indian talismanic structures. Empowering women artisans and macrame weavers from Karnataka, this label also curates a nationwide art sphere into its jewelry. The Longpi black pottery of Manipur and a jute-steel blend of structures find a place in En Inde’s organic niche, as the label also actively engages in sustainable development.


Nassarius, the prehistoric seashell used as jewelry is a name that befits this exquisitely curated label. The bespoke jewelry borrowing inspiration from traditional pearl, gold, and indigenous sets meets foreign perspectives, reimagining handcrafts of India in it’s raw, undiluted essence. They have an organic approach in the making of these statement pieces, keeping the process as natural as it used to be in the yesteryears, making Nassarius a second-generational mystic blend of antiquity and modernity.


Subtly underlining urban art, Anomaly by Anam is a muse drawn onto the canvas of your skin, by the careful deliberation of each piece coming together innovatively. In the modern art reflections, there lies a dramatic sensibility, bringing the abstract into keen detailing of Indian motifs.


Another label that stands testimony to the skill of Indian metalsmiths and artisans is Dhora India, creating urban and edgy pieces that unveil from within the soul of Indian heirloom. Taking stories of the street to the tenacity of silver-brass tinged in gold, this label curates geometric narratives encompassed by the circular framework. This intrinsic storytelling makes Dhora jewelry one of it’s kind.


Manifest design has a niche in creating timeless pieces that explore a fresh outlook on mementos infused with the soul of artisans. Rekindling forgotten dreams, these pieces reshape a conventional vocabulary into an inherently raw and dynamic aesthetic.


In the auld lang syne of Indian craftsmanship, we find these explorative tendencies, from an array of techniques used to create prehistoric coral-bone jewelry to blending gold with brass-copper to form first pieces of metallic ornaments. These labels are born from an eco-conscious mindset of cherishing the ancient process while adapting signature designs to an urban tapestry, manifesting it’s intrinsic handpicked alchemy.

07
Jan

Zero Waste: How Priyanka Raajiv delved into sustainability long before it became a hashtag

Priyanka Raajiv is a designer based in Pune who brings ageless culture into the modern world. Her design aesthetic and the clear vision of the architecture of a silhouette is what sets her apart. Moreover, she contributes to promoting the Indian handloom industry since the conception of her label. Her ensembles also hold a badge of responsible fashion.

Upcycled ‘Jod’ saree

She began designing outfits with a ‘Zero Waste’ approach long before the trend began. From the beginning of her labor, she held a certain respect for the fabric she used, and her label saw immaculate precision to avoid waste.

Upcycled ‘Gulaal’ lehenga

Textile experimentation made her work stand out. Incorporating these fabric pieces seamlessly into her new ensembles and, tailor-making new looks take forward an heirloom piece through generations.

Hand-embroidered ‘Pushp’ blouse

The vivid detailing and hand embroidery in every collection showcase the profound thought and effort behind the handspun threadwork so integral to her design philosophy. Her latest collection, Praana, is based on the consciousness that breathes within us, and the understanding that life is a circle, and it grows through nurturing thought and understanding.

Patchwork upcycled ‘Roshan’ lehenga

We are surrounded by this energy everywhere. It is why spaces affect us; we inhabit our clothes every day. Praana, the Autumn-Winter 2019 collection is inspired by this collective energy that we possess and share.

Any waste fabric piece from the studio is put back in the ‘Iraada’ box to be used and integrated into a collection that embodies thoroughly studied design sensibility. This is turned into wardrobe pieces that become essential

Upcycled ‘Ek Jod’ dupatta

In ancient China, there was a belief that anything broken must be put together using gold. This belief transcends the very idea of discarding anything.

In our daily stress and hectic schedules we often dismiss our negative thoughts and stagnant mindset. Aspiring to Chi, or Pranayama, the meditative state of understanding oneself, Priyanka Raajiv endeavors to unveil the illusion of separation, putting together seemingly unconnected pieces of fabric together in a puzzle that astounds you with its creativity and diligence.

Fully upcycled ‘Sharad’ Lehenga

Praana is a collection of carefully curated pieces, handcrafted to build a flow out of a mosaic of crude textile weaving and finesse of undiluted design. Upcycled pieces, like dupattas and scarves, become heirlooms in the process of recycling what is old into the artistic element of the new. With painstakingly earned expertise, the repurposed studio textile becomes intuitively structured through intricately embellished handwork.

Patchwork Kishto dupatta

The outfits rejuvenate your mind in with its texture and exquisite drapes and folds. It turns the complexity of fabric patchwork into a singular movement.

‘Resh’ saree with upcycled blouse

Praana at its core symbolizes the metamorphosis of energy forms. From breath to texture, and cold mist to the layers of fabric, it demonstrates that what appears cast aside is, in fact, the same thing in a different form. What appears new and fresh is a deliberate transformation.

This is the transformation that occurs at the Priyanka Raajiv studio with the discarded studio fabric in upcycling every piece.

06
Jan

Ploti

Founded in the chaos of Starbucks-hopping and millennial reality, Ploti is a bunch of whiz artists, savoring moments with a touch of quirky creativity. Our love for minimalistic aesthetic and beige precedes our reputation; to say the least, we’re a bunch of lunatics fanatic about design and brand philosophy.

From a team that fits sweet n’ low in a teaspoon, Ploti, as a concept has a distinctive quality that makes you want to stay and explore. The vibe you get here is tranquil in the weaves that thread us together, genuine in the bricks that have built us a home. Exuding soothing, clean energy, we try to blend simple humanity into an adaptable brand impression.

A fashion & architecture communications agency, we aim to bring this same delicate balance to our clients. Our unwavering belief in organic growth and giving a soft feel to hard edges, makes us value honest work and loyalty above all.

Ploti, beyond a brand, is a connection forged in absurd originality and nestled in coffee-flavored warmth.