ISIPHO – CURATOR – JDADA2019

“I always find beauty in things that are off and imperfect. They are much more interesting.”

—- Marc Jacobs —-

Designers Nirmala Kumari M and Neha Kumari’s collection “Isipho” meaning gift is inspired by the beadwork found on the African Fali dolls. The handmade dolls derive its name from the Fali tribe concentrated mostly in Northern Cameroon. The collection incorporates the use of colourful wooden beadwork, recycled leather and khadi silk.

Every culture in the world has dolls in common. Dolls are traditionally used for ritualistic and religious purposes and are a symbol of fertility across the African continent. The doll in the Fali tribe symbolizes commitment between betrothed couples and their future child. The dolls are handmade using wood, colourful beads, leather, cowrie shells and old coins. They are ideally handed down from one generation to the other.

The designers have created their garments taking inspiration from the colourful patterns and textures created by the beads on the dolls. The garments are straight silhouette, leather jackets with long sleeves. With sustainability as one of the designs objectives, the designers sourced recycled leather and khadi silk for their collection alongwith wooden beads which they have sewn on the garments by themselves.