Arunima Sachan

Category: Accessories

Competitions: International

Sustainability extends far beyond environmental concerns—it also encompasses the preservation of cultural heritage and traditional practices. In this project, the spotlight is on the rich Indian craft of block printing from Farrukhabad, a town known for its delicate and intricate hand block designs that have been passed down through generations. However, like many indigenous crafts, block printing faces the threat of decline due to the fast-paced nature of contemporary trends and shifting consumer preferences. This project aims to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity by blending the artistry of block printing with a contemporary product form: a leather and canvas bag. Crafted using responsibly sourced scrap leather this bag is both a functional accessory and a tribute to cultural legacy. The motifs for the block print have been made into blocks and printed by the artisans based on the inspiration taken.The block printed panels feature reimagined motifs—modern shapes and minimalistic patterns—that resonate with today’s aesthetic sensibilities while staying true to the traditional hand-printing techniques of Farrukhabad artisans. This thoughtful fusion allows the craft to remain relevant in the modern marketplace, ensuring that it is not only remembered but re-valued and re-integrated into everyday life. By incorporating these handcrafted elements into a sustainable product, this bag celebrates slow fashion and mindful design. It promotes cultural continuity by supporting the artisans and providing them with new avenues to showcase their skills. Ultimately, the project doesn’t just result in a product—it tells a story of revival, responsibility, and the quiet resilience of Indian craftsmanship in a changing world.

Category: Apparel

Competitions: International

This leather garment draws its conceptual and visual inspiration from the Colosseum—the monumental Roman amphitheatre known for its grand arches, robust columns, and enduring stone textures.The entire outfit is constructed using paneling—a technique where many small pieces are stitched together. In my design the panels have been brought together using lacing technique instead of stiching which acts as an eye-catching design element to the entire piece.All the panels are made from scrap leather, making the garment both sustainable and unique. Two types of leather have been used: soft cow suede and shiny top grain cow leather. These materials add contrast in both look and feel. The cords used for decoration and fastening are made from the same leather, adding unity to the design. At the front, vertical leather cords and stitched panels resemble the tall columns and repeated arches of the Colosseum’s outer walls. A semi-circular pattern at the waist mirrors the archways seen in Roman architecture. The back of the garment features a deep V-cut and a lace-up design, inspired by the open spaces and structural strength of the Colosseum. The skirt follows the same theme, with diagonal panels and an asymmetrical hemline that suggest the worn-down, uneven look of ancient ruins. Overall, this garment transforms architectural elements into fashion, combining history with modern design. It reflects not just the beauty of the Colosseum, but also the skill and thought put into reusing materials and creating something meaningful through craftsmanship.