Being a third generation couture embroidery expert from France, Jean-François Lesage sure knew what he was talking about when he drew comparisons between ancient French methods of embroidery and traditional Indian techniques of decorative stitching. “The tools, threads, beads and sequins are all same here in our country,” said the designer during his talk at the inauguration of the Yarn Club by Apparao Galleries recently.
Recalling how he came to India as a 19-year-old many years ago to discover various traditional techniques of the subcontinent, Lesage explained how the language of embroidery, which he said was older than the art of writing itself, was a way of countries to establish their individual identities.
In his elaborate talk on using textiles in furniture and interiors, he followed some of the trends from world over with the help of samples from projects his city-based design company Vastrakala has completed. As samples of some of the curtains and decorative panels that his company had created for a large room at the Rashtrapathi Bhavan were displayed, evidently pleased with his own creativity, “Voila!” he exclaimed. The extensive use of floral motifs and traditional Mughal zari work around the room was not only to blend the new ambiance with the existing look of the building, but also to pass on a message to visitors. “We wanted to focus on the unity and diversity of India and Indian cultures,” he said.
As he moved on to describe the use of textiles and Indian patterns on shoes by French designer Christian Louboutin, who he referred to as “a good childhood friend”, the audience, mostly women, immediately sat up in their seats with renewed interest, to take a closer look at the shoes on display.
With the aim of bringing together textile lovers, collectors and designers, the club will meet once a month with a different speaker from the field each time. For details, call 9941012387.