Designer Geethica Naidu talks about her debut collection, Pashm, tracing the journey of Pashmina from the high altitudes of Ladakh to her studio in Bengaluru
The Hindu
The collection was inspired by the uniqueness of the fibre and a deep curiosity to understand Pashmina’s origins and the life of nomadic communities. It was created to honour their way of life and bring their story to the forefront through design.
Bengaluru-based designer Geethica Naidu’s debut collection, Pashm, is an ode to the breathtaking landscapes and rich nomadic heritage of Ladakh. The use of pashmina offers a glimpse into the rich, traditional craftsmanship of the region.
The collection was inspired by the uniqueness of the fibre and a deep curiosity to understand Pashmina’s origins and the life of nomadic communities. It was created to honour their way of life and bring their story to the forefront through design.
Pashm includes trench coats, long vest dresses, pleated skirts and fitted blazer jackets, with a colour palette with dominant shades of brown, in keeping with the undyed natural hues of pashmina wool.
Speaking to Geethica from her studio AME in Mathikere in Bengaluru, feels like an extension of her collection, from walls displaying photographs of her nomadic journey to a loom centrepiece, the studio is where the visitors can get a glimpse of the nomadic life of Ladakh as well as her collection.
Elaborating on the collection, Geethica traced the fascinating journey of pashmina — from the high-altitude landscapes of Leh to her studio in Bengaluru.
The story of pashmina, starts from the mighty Himalayas, amidst the rugged terrains of Kharnak, 1400 feet above sea level. Here, a small community of nomadic herders have been tending to the rare and unique Changthangi goats for generations, apart from their flocks of sheep and yak.
In the extreme cold of Himalayan winters, the Changthangi goats grow a warm undercoat — a soft protective layer that sustains them through the harshest months. “It is this protective layer that becomes the finest cashmere,” says Geethica.
With the rise of the women’s liberation movement in the West, and some parts of China, activists fought for separate rooms, separate bathrooms, separate swimming pools, separate vehicles, separate roads, separate cities, even separate countries
Himmat Shah refused to be part of the mainstream, instead focusing on metamorphosing his medium and materials in the most versatile ways — with a distinctly Indian aesthetic
Celebrate Alexander Graham Bell Day on March 7, honouring the inventor of the first telephone nearly 150 years ago.
SpaceX's Starship spacecraft explodes in space, causing FAA to halt air traffic in Florida, marking second failure this year.
Trump's firing of NOAA employees sparks discussion on climate predictions, highlighting the need for global, high-resolution models for resilience.
At The Sarvato, the new seasonal restaurant in Jaipur’s City Palace, recipes dip into the royal kitchens, and menu experiments begin in the desert when it’s offseason
Sci-Five | The Hindu Science Quiz: On National Parks
Uncover the hidden science in everyday objects, from soap to smartphones, shaping our lives and driving innovation.
Space debris poses a growing threat to Earth, highlighting the urgent need for stronger regulations and accountability in space governance.
Chennai native Major Amirtharaj NS of the Indian Army completes the world's highest frozen lake half marathon at Pangong Tso in Ladakh
Scientists have been learning more about the diets of early hominins, particularly their reliance on plants.
New research has found that one species of the enormous Goliath beetles has been almost wiped out by the west African cocoa industry and, to a lesser extent, by the international trade in dried insects.
Crafts Council of India’s textile showcase Tari — the loom, will have 31 designers and weavers from across the country showcase a range of textiles, with a special focus on saris