Description

My project is a three-piece cultural costume, consisting of an anarkali suit, palazzo pants, and a dupatta. The three items are commonly worn in South-Asian clothing, but they are ultimately influenced by traditional Kathak dance dresses. Further drawing from these historical aesthetics, I embellished the neckline, sleeves, and hem of the palazzo pants using the ancient gold metal embroidery technique of Zardozi. In combination with traditional cotton threads, I have depicted subtle peacock feathers in the traditional floral design. Kathak, a classical dance form I have trained in, often requires dancers to wear Jasmine flower buds in their hair, hence why I chose them for the floral embroidery. These not only suit the context of the costume but also complement the ivory palazzo pants. The functional features of my project include the invisible zipper closure for the dress, providing ease of wear, and the elastic waistband for the palazzo pants, which allows comfortable movement. The white crystal organza dupatta is a shawl-like piece of fabric draped over the shoulders and torso and tied at the waist, specifically for dancers. The dupatta is also sometimes used as a prop in Kathak storytelling. These garments are constructed so that they are suitable for both dancing and formal settings. The side slits found in kurta sets provide ease of movement. I adapted this element into the A-line Anarkali silhouette to better suit the dynamic motions of Kathak dance. Through these overlapping influences, I aim to honour the past and preserve these timeless traditions.

Images of Work

"The textile item is a navy blue garment with intricate gold embroidery around the neckline. The embroidery features scrolling patterns and is accented with small blue jewel-like embellishments. A sheer, white, shimmering scarf or dupatta is draped over the shoulder and across the chest of the garment. The overall aesthetic is elegant and sophisticated, with a hint of traditional and ethnic influence due to the embroidery."

"The lower portion of the trousers is in a pristine white colour. The hem is adorned with delicate embroidery, a scalloped trim in olive green thread creates a decorative border along the bottom edge. Interspersed within the green scallops are small, four-pointed floral motifs embroidered in metallic gold thread, adding a subtle shimmer. Small, bright turquoise beads are sewn at the apex of each green scallop, adding pops of colour and texture. The intricate hand-embroidery on clean white fabric creates a charming and refined detail."

Select Student Folio Pages

The pages selected for each project reflect the individual students' interpretations of the syllabus guidelines for the MTP. Each student should develop their folio according to the guidelines, relating to their own individual project. This may result in a variety of presentation styles, numbers of sketches and/or experiments.