While in India this past January, I rediscovered achada - a cloth lining placed underneath fabrics during block printing to absorb excess dyes that seep through during the process. Achada is reused repeatedly until it reaches the end of its life cycle, after which it is discarded. I had seen it before but never considered it beyond its function, until one day I noticed a few pieces drying in the sun while visiting Bagru in Rajasthan. The layered colors and abstract patterns looked intentional, not something formed by chance through dye transfer. I could not believe these stunning pieces eventually had no use. That was an aha moment!

I almost immediately began experimenting with turning these into jackets, pants, and skirts, using simple silhouettes that let the fabric speak for itself. I couldn't help giving these beautiful, overlooked textiles a second life, transforming them into unique, wearable art.

I am just waiting for the first samples to arrive and I cannot wait! I naturally gravitate toward texture and rawness in fabrics, so I’m excited to see how this translates into finished pieces. More on this soon...