BENGALURU: Yudhishthira’s spear fighting and chariot-racing skills, Bhima’s strength and his mace, and Arjuna’s swiftness and excellence at archery are few of things that inspired Divya Nambiar’s first Epic Collection under her brand Unniyarcha. She hasn’t missed Nakul and Sahdeva’s swordsmanship, Draupadi’s beauty, feminity and strength and even the Sudarshana Chakra.
Divya is a post-graduate in finance from Columbia University, but she went on to study design from Parsons Design School in New York.
“What I love about designing is imagining colours and designs and then seeing them all come together physically. I can then feel my imagination in my hands... It’s magical,” she says.
Her love for Mahabharata has found expression in jewellery. “Even as kid I was fond of Mahabharata and inspired by one of the lead characters of this epic - Arjuna. Listening to his tales and skills often left me spellbound,” says Divya, Founder and Creative Head, Unniyarcha.
Just as any epic, Mahabharata too has the usual suspects of warriors or heroes or villains. But, according to her, the narrative is unique for the way it conveys emotions and drama with grace. “This is what I like most about Mahabharata,” she says.
Though Divya is familiar with its stories, she had to a thorough research to understand their key characteristics and unique features. “I wanted to make sure that the essence of this amazing epic is reflected in every single design. I even chose the colour of the stones keeping in mind the character,” she says.
As part of her research, she spoke to many people and found that most identified with the Pandava brothers or Draupadi.
“I decided to create fusion jewelry to appeal to every woman, whether they like modern or traditional designs,” she says. “I want them to live their favourite stories from the epic when they wear these pieces.”.
This is her first such collection. Her next collection is ‘Samskaara’. “This is inspired by the temples, architecture, colours and the rich cultural heritage of South India,” she says. “I have designed it keeping in mind the wedding season.”