Fashion designer Deepika Govind says she entered the world of fashion completely by chance. “I had never planned it. I had a master’s degree in economics and wanted to join the civil service. I came to know about a design competition organized by the National Institute of Technology (NIFT) in Bangalore. It was while preparing for civic activities.
The Bangalore-based designer recently came up with ‘Fragile Flyer’, a collection that celebrates the delicate beauty of sustainable fabrics through bold yarn embroidery.
Made from fabrics woven in conjunction with TENCEL™ Luxe, this biodegradable fiber is made from sustainably sourced wood pulp. “Inspired by the fragility of fabrics, we decided to keep the colors natural. A delicate, fairy-like look resonates throughout the collection.”
Sarees are at the heart of her collection, with feminine flouncy tops and blouses that can be paired with high-waisted, wide-legged trousers. As with all of her collections, Deepika marries sustainability and Indian craftsmanship to create pieces that are timeless yet modern.
one stitch at a time
“I used to sew and tailor a lot. My mother made sure I learned these skills as a girl. On a whim, I entered a competition and fell in love with it.”
Deepika Govind | Photo Credit: Special Arrangement
For the competition, Deepika created a collection inspired by Mesopotamian culture. Learn about its culture, design process and motifs. It was also a very humbling experience. When you meet weavers and tailors, you can see how much work goes into creating a collection. ”
Participating in the contest made her realize how designing was her true calling. “When I was younger, I enjoyed making costumes and jewelry for my friends. I’ve always had an innovative spirit, so it came naturally.”
Since her debut, Deepika has fallen in love with Indian craftsmanship and textile techniques, which is clearly reflected in her collections. “My interest in handlooms began in 1999, when I saw weavers using bipedal looms to create checked layered fabrics. Dying with indigo and working with artists to create hand-painted Kalamkari was the beginning of my love for textiles.”
Since then, Deepika has been experimenting with different Indian fabrics and patterns. “The 2000s brought excitement about blending khadi with another natural fiber called Tencel to create an international fabric, which was later showcased at Lakme Fashion Week in 2001.”
From Deepika Govind’s Sustainable Fashion Collection | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
Her 2012 Lakme Fashion Week collection was titled ‘Pop Patra’ and was monumental. Patola is a double ikat handwoven fabric originating from Patan city in Gujarat. “It was a very amazing experience. At that time I traveled to the interior of Gujarat and many of my works were inspired by the intricate jali darwaza (lattice windows).”
Deepika has been a strong advocate of sustainability. For the 2011 collection, titled “Eri the Peace Silk: A Traveller’s Collection,” we created a line of stoles, shawls, and saris using soft, coarse Eri silk, an eco-fiber that does not kill silkworms.
stories from the ground
While her collections reflect Indian craftsmanship, Deepika believes that there is always a story behind her collections and that it is nothing short of an adventure. “When I went to see the Muga cocoon farm and textile center in Udalguri, a small district in Assam, I was shocked to find myself in a farm where ULFA members had just surrendered. was discussed by.
“Another day, I was visiting the Eri Textile Center in Kokrajhar, Bodoland. On our way to Kokrajhar, rebels stopped the train we were on, so we had to find alternative transportation. Everyone had to walk.”
From Deepika Govind’s Sustainable Fashion Collection | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
While some events may be worrying, Deepika also has some happy moments. “I enjoy traveling to Gujarat where I can travel as late as 12pm.While creating the Pop Patra collection, I have stayed with weavers and attended their functions. ”
However, with the influx of modernization, many traditional customs are being forgotten. Although there has been a recent revival, many crafts are on the verge of extinction. “In some families, the next generation is reluctant to take on this traditional job. I prefer to work in the industry,” says Deepika.
Despite the lack of coverage, one piece of advice she gives to aspiring designers is: “Trust your creativity. Remember that there is a market for every creative expression. Identify these markets and pursue them tenaciously.”
From Deepika Govind’s Sustainable Fashion Collection | Photo Credit: Special Arrangements
issued – January 7, 2025 12:31pm IST
