NIRVITHARKA–JD Annual Design Awards 2019 | Fashion Design

“Fashion started with the draping technique.”

—- ANONYMOUS —-

Designers Vishnu S and Sree Rakhi A. S.’s collection Nirvitharka means unchangeable and is a low cost experimental women’s occasion wear. It was was inspired by the simplicity and draping method of the attire worn by the Ancient Hindu Saints.

Draping is ideally used by the designers, directly on the models or the mannequins to get the feel of the fabric on the form. The technique incorporates manipulation of the fabric to experiment with various silhouettes before committing to a single idea. It helps the designer understand if additional manipulation, darts or fold are required. Draped garments worn by the Ancient Hindu Saints were idea for ease of movement. Hence, the designers have used this utilitarian value to create fashionable yet comfortable collection.

The designers have created garments by incorporating the draping technique. The colours used for the garments were saffron which indicates sunrise and sunset; yellow for fire; ash for vibhuti or sacred ash made of burnt dried wood and is applied as three horizontal lines on the forehead to honour Shiva; brown for rudraksha, a seed used as prayer beads and maroon for monks. The garments have been created from 100% cotton fabric and dyeing has been used to create the ombre technique. The ease of movement achieved through the method of draping makes the garments comfortable for the wearer. (Ativan)