Rakshitha MH
BSc in Fashion Design, Bangalore
Nyoka – JD Design Awards 2024
Nyoka is a compelling fashion collection by Rakshitha MH, a student of the BSC in Fashion Design at the JD Institute of Fashion Technology, Bangalore. The designer draws inspiration from the ethnic flavor, magnificent archaeological structures, and the holy odyssey. In this range, there is an application of ancient decorations along with contemporary design, giving the wardrobe-making a mystique feel. Just imagine how the delicacies of carved wooden works and paintings, fabrics, and jewels of more ancient epochs would look intertwined with the aesthetic of present-day high-tech PVC, for example.
ILLUSTRATIONS
To elaborate, the aspects of the outfit labeled “Nyoka” incorporate culture into its design. Since the ancient ages, many carvings as well as artifacts have been crafted to present the unknown history of humanity. I used and applied various textiles and inspiration from ancient jewelry in the crafting of the collection. For instance, the Nagamandala tradition, which originated in Dakshina Kannada, is a tradition where several rituals are performed in honor of snake gods. This tradition also produces beautiful beaded wearable art using old trade beads, which are sometimes antique. The history is captured in every design in the “Nyoka” collection; wearing any piece gives the owner a feeling as if they own a piece of history.
But “Nyoka” is not only racially nostalgic; it is about taking race from its nostalgic place into the future. On the whole, the collection demonstrates that second-hand garments, which are environmentally friendly and eternal, can be turned into modern. Simplistic yet elegant designs and the concept of a table separating top and bottom also have no demarcation of male and female clothes. Clothes that would suit every man, especially those that can be easily altered to the wearer’s size, embrace the beauty of human diversity. Such a modification keeps the collection current and prevents it from looking tired or old, something that will appeal to modern fashion lovers.
JDDA 2024
Thus, “Nyoka” fits the theme well, with the use of the concept of mandala, which can be interpreted as the elements of design and culture of India. This is well illustrated by the patterns of the garment and the meaning that is associated with the mandala. This collection is also a celebration of India’s traditional culture while depicting women’s strength and breaking stereotypical beauty standards. It is the ability to acknowledge all people, including those with disabilities or belonging to minorities.
Fabrics and colors applied in “Nyoka” add to the attractiveness of the outfit. The clothes are designed to be elegant and come in raw silk, organza, and chiffon fabrics, which are classy fabrics. These fabrics are adorned with surface ornamentations like beaded embroidery, zari work, and boning, which gives the product a three-dimensional look. The end product thus provides a glamorous and largely sensory experience, which is emblematic of haute couture. Applying these materials and techniques also shows keen effort and materialization, and at the same time, guarantees that every product is an art.
Rakshitha MH
BSc in Fashion Design, Bangalore
www.jddesignawards.com