Geethica Naidu
Geethica Naidu

Pashmina files

Making a compelling case for understanding textile stories, Geethica Naidu’s studio Ame in Bengaluru recently debuted with a luxurious line of Pashmina, called PASHM By Bindu Gopal Rao
Published on

When Geethica Naidu was a child, she vividly recalls both her grandmother and mother hand-embroidering saris and accompanying her mother to visit weaving clusters to shop for saris. Little wonder that after completing her schooling, she enrolled herself into a world of textiles at NIFT, Chennai.

During her four-year course, she fell in love with weaving. “Over the years my work ranged from collaborating with craft clusters in rural areas to working with international clients on electronic jacquards,” says the 30-year-old. It resulted in her starting her brand Ame three years ago. Ame stands for Art Meets Expression, which reflects the collaborative philosophy she follows at the studio. “Ame is a space where art and personal expression intersect. It’s more than a brand—it’s an extension of me,” avers Naidu.

Ame is housed in a thoughtfully designed studio by Bengaluru-based architectural firm Between Spaces. It stresses the ethos of being minimal with large spaces allowing the team freedom to create and drape their art. The exposed cement concrete and neutral tones, allows for natural light and air to flow freely.

After two long years of research and development, Naidu recently launched PASHM, her first collection. “I have lived with the nomads, sharing bread, and listening to their stories as we walked to the grazing grounds with their livestock.

To trace the wool’s origin, we journeyed to the Changthang region in Ladakh, home to nomads who rear sheep, yaks, and goats. The goats in this region produce some of the finest, softest fibres in the world.”

The highlight of the collection is that all the garments are minimal and entirely handcrafted, apart from being completely undyed. The hues of cream, beige and brown that dominate the clothes are all from the natural shades of wool from the goat.

“Our palette ranges from natural whites to beiges and browns, with the light browns achieved by blending light and dark fibres together. The possibilities for exploration are endless when you work from the fibre level,” says Naidu.

A distinctive feature of these garments is that they are Pashmina inside and out. Even the lining is made of Pashmina. “The lining is the part of a garment which is in contact with your skin most of the time. The experience of wearing these pieces is truly unparalleled,” adds Naidu.

The limited collection is because the quantity of the wool is limited as it is combed out from the goat once a year at the onset of summer. The fibre to fabric process takes about six to eight months.

Naidu has more plans for her brand as she looks ahead. “My vision is to work with as many crafts as possible, making Indian craftsmanship synonymous with luxury on a global scale,” she smiles.

X
The New Indian Express
www.newindianexpress.com