Prints charming: Bath-based designer launches Kickstarter project in support of Chettinad artisans

The artistic and culinary legacy of Chettinadu is the leitmotif of Krishnaa Shyam’s Full Circle Scarves project 
Krishnaa Shyam
Krishnaa Shyam

The limited edition scarves by Krishnaa Shyam for her Full Circle project reflect her favourite memories associated with Chettinad. From Athangudi tiles, an abundance of bougainvillaea plants to colours of the region’s fiery cuisine — the influence is evident.

Since its launch last week, the collection has garnered public attention not only for its design inspiration, but also for its kickstarter fundraising campaign in support of women artisans in Chettinad. The campaign will raise Rs 5 lakh and will end on November 15.

Having partnered with the M.Rm.Rm Cultural Foundation in Chennai that works towards creating a market for rural artisanal products, the designer scarves come in palmyra boxes handwoven by women in Chettinad. Krishnaa also designs quirky scarves and bags for boutique stores like Chennai-based Ashvita since early 2017. Look out for the mosaic kaavi brown scarf, palmyra dark mauve stole and spice garden green length in crepe silk among the six  other designs.

A former resident of Chennai, this Bath-based artist and designer uses a mix of Western and Indian colours and styles for the collection. “The colour palette comes from the sources of my design inspiration like the kaavi, which is the local name for the particular shade of red from fired bricks, the yellow of the ‘toor’ dal, which is widely used for dishes like sambar or rasam and a brinjal or eggplant purple,” says Krishnaa. Hand-drawn on paper with ink, the 36-year-old BFA Illustrations graduate from the Savannah College of Arts and Design then digitises the designs. While some are transformed into tessellations (repeating designs) like mosaic patterns, others are expanded on-screen to cover the entire surface.


Apt for the winter chill, the collection uses either silk crepe or a special weave that is 10 per cent cashmere and 90 per cent modal. “The heavier the fabric, the harder it is for the ink to be absorbed. I needed a fabric that would take on printing, was luxurious and took on my delicate line work.” Krishnaa also retails on Amazon.

Rs 3,800 onwards. Details: krishnaashyam.com                                                  

 

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