Solo Project
NANDINI
During my Junior year at Carnegie Mellon, I designed a fashion line for the student-run show, Lunar Gala, the largest fashion show in Pittsburgh.
Role
Designer
Timeline
7 months
Skills
Sketch
Prototype
Textile Design
Sewing
Tools
Procreate
Figma
I explored the 2024 Lunar Gala show theme 'liminal', meaning boundary or transition space, as a search for identity.
Ideation
What does this mean to me?
My middle name, Nandini, means “giving joy”, the concept of beauty and simplicity. However, Nandini is also a name representing the sacred bull, “Nandi” in the Hindu religion. It is a symbol of power, energy, strength, and destructiveness. This idea of intentional destruction blended with beauty questions the rigidity of tradition. It offers a new construction of identity threaded with innovation and technology. It respects ancient culture but still asserts a sense of modernity through individuality and defiance.
When growing up feeling isolated in hometown in Connecticut, harnessing the power of Indian culture and tradition has been a lifeline for me. I realized I would never be seen as completely integrated, and decided that I would use that fact to find a sense of meaning for myself. Searching for a purpose, an identity in the midst of blending cultures can be frustrating, uneasy, and can lead to a rebellion.
This line aims to represent not only the transitional, liminal space between Indian tradition and Western modernity but also freedom and creative destruction within this space.
Challenging societal norms, this line becomes a form of protest against rigid cultural boundaries and a celebration of individuality and innovation.
The modern, futuristic, and grunge personality of this line brings out this idea of grappling with identity beyond just a cultural shift. Non-conformist silhouettes such as thick metal industrialist jewelry and distressed/stringy fabric aim to represent this frustrated search for identity. It creates a sense of visual tension, reflective of self-expression.
Planning
Finding Inspiration
I collected and collaged artists, designers, and brands that reflected some of my initial ideas. It allowed me to
define what already exists and how it can guide my designs.
Prototyping
Creating Designs
I drew up initial sketches based on my concept as well as design inspirations. I aimed to reflect the concept of modernity and tradition in even the smaller details.
After presenting my designs to the design heads and coordinators of the show, I made a few adjustments and consolidated ideas into a
finalized lineup
Construction
Creating the Pieces
I started creating my designs, collecting fabrics, materials, thread, metal pieces, to sew and machine knit - completing the initial garments.
Fittings
Adjustments and Finalization
After meeting with the models for countless fittings and adjustments, most of the work was complete.
Over this period of six months, I worked with lighting designers, cinematographers, photographers, and sound designers to come up with the ambience that best emanates the concept and emotion of the line.
Here are a few photos from the show to scroll through!
