Spotlight Feature: Ka Sha by Karishma Shahani

Inspire Within

I often wondered if in a quest to modernize ourselves we are letting go of our legacy, our heritage? 

Are we subconsciously abandoning the very thread that binds us all together; our culture!

Wouldn't it be nice if we carried forward the best assets of our centuries of intellect and wisdom that thoughtfully co-exists with our modern views and evolution?

As I try to wrestle my mind out of an inner conflict between embracing the new and not parting with the Indophile in me and strike a balance; I came across the "Kaam Kaaj" collection Ka Sha (Pronounced as K Sh)by Karishma Shahni.

Kaam Kaaj is every bit modern yet Indian. It embodies and personifies the Indianness yet updates it with modern silhouettes.

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha in words by Karishma Shahani

Our Spring Summer 2014 story - ‘Kaam-Kaaj’ juxtaposes work wear of our ‘working classes’, an integral part of our economic eco-system with ritualistic ceremonial wear, an integral part of our social system. Drawing parallels between these two distinct cultural participations – work & celebration, Kaam Kaaj follows the local vendors, fruit sellers, migrant labor workers, house help, and so on. Often romanticized in socialist conversations, is their movement  of clothing through  work and day, their utility based gamchas, their shirt over lehengas, their inners as outers, their work-appropriate  pockets, their cultural influences, their climatic inferences and their regional requirements. ‘Kaam-Kaaj’ is a study of this indigenous part of our society who stand as beacons of cultural india, almost blending tradition with practicality. The focus lies on retaining feminity in a world associated with masculinity. Taking from these ceremonies and their adornment their cultural aesthetic, their symbolism, their textures, their ornamental abundance to this, minimalistic otherside of local work wear. It is a reflection of contrast within ones own life – it fastens together our need for functionality and flamboyance.

Traditional Ajrakh Block printing techniques don the surfaces of a variety of Pure Cottons from Gujarat - Handwoven  Khadis to Powerloom chequered  cottons. The fabrics are dyed and printed using Natural dyes. Hand embroidery and hand carved wooden blocks inspired by checks and florals both - reminiscent of work and play, celebrate the two facets of the lives of everyday people.

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha 

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha

Kaam Kaaj by Ka Sha