I’m Nandiniy born into a Taluquadar Rajput family in the state of Avadh. I founded Chaasmi --the clothing brand ‘where the traditional and contemporary collide.’ The brand has a logo of 'crane in flight' suggesting free-spiritedness and the spreading of wings, as one soar high, much like the kind of women our collection allures. Chaasmi is Sanskrit for 'As I Am' and we create masterpieces, which will make the women feel their inner strength by embracing their feminine best with grace and aplomb.
Let me tell you the story behind the logo, it is deep-seated in our heritage. Once Maharishi Valmiki saw a crane couple mating, he felt happy at their union. An arrow hit the male and killed him, the female died in agony soon after. He called out the hunter in his rage and grief: मा निषाद प्रतिष्ठां त्वमगमः शाश्वतीः समाः। यत्क्रौञ्चमिथुनादेकमवधीः काममोहितम्॥' This is considered the first shloka in Sanskrit literature. Valmiki later composed the entire Ramayana in the same meter with the blessings of Lord Brahma!
My passionate interest in art, literature, poetry, also in different forms of embroidery has been a guiding force. I like to hand-hold the karigars working on the creations of Chaasmi. My heart and soul are into it, and, therefore, the creations are exclusive top-end and one-of-a-kind. It’s like art that we wear. And we are not unreasonably priced given the kind of painstaking work that goes into making each piece. My collection is the culmination of what Chaasmi stands for, to be your unique self and to embrace it in totality.
My life is my insight, also a source of inspiration in the crafting of the pieces. The early memories of my ‘wonder’ years are so vivid. Every day was one big celebration triggered by the 'love of life'. Each one of us espoused living life to the hilt. Ours was the best example of a big, happy joint family, and would be a leaf out of a Bollywood blockbuster.
The women folk were not encouraged to step out into the world and, therefore, they made their life at home the best expression of themselves, dressing up, doing things differently, home decor, all aspects of life had their quintessential imprint.
The mother, aunt, and grandaunts wore their flowing floral Chiffon and Organza with aplomb. The pearls were the favoured jewel and the occasional sunglasses made the pretty pictures look prettier. The 108 bottles of perfumes, bought from all over the world, neatly lined on a mahogany cupboard added to the chutzpah. The make-up was mostly nude, but the attire and the way they carried themselves were a reflection of a deep voice within.
They inspire me to attain perfection in every endeavour of mine. They were women of substance exuding femininity and grace without being too delicate, weak, or passive–like touch-me-not plants. They have an imprint on me, shaped me, and now subtly influence my designs today. Their penchant for ‘English colours’ as they referred to the pastel shades, floral motifs, and delicate embroidery are all integral to my designs.
Life for them was a stage, and they dressed up for it every single day. They were a complete package - lit up the room when they entered. They were truly head-turners! The word that best describes their disposition is grace!
I was married early–in my teens–into a futuristic family of successful lawyers. My very supportive in-laws encourage me to grow. You should hear my husband boasting about my creations to get an idea of what a ‘very supportive’ family is. My two offsprings rejoice in me discovering my passion–is so heartwarming. And not to forget my sibling and close friends have always been a source of encouragement for me.
My father-in-law knew the importance of education in shaping people’s lives and ensured I completed it. Also, travelling was a big part of my itinerary here, from Rome to Russia. Travelling also shapes you in subtle ways, and I drew inspiration from parallel cultures and grew rich in the process.
I am inspired by many art forms witnessed during my travels. The Turkish or Russian motifs fused with Indian colours and style, or for that matter, on the wheel of Sun’s chariot carved on one of the walls of Konark temple–embroidered on silver tissue
chanderi done in jaali and pitta work. Art has a way to get etched in your mind and staying there and inspiring. I’m for all things natural–the flora and fauna.
My maternal Bengali gene made me pick up paintbrushes early in life but more as a hobby. Today, I personally draw the designs to be embroidered, and if the creation requires hand painting, it's me who does it.
The embroidery, too, has various shades used in a single leaf to impart depth but be subtle. So, in brief,' A painting was done in Zari, as Kauser, a karigar, fondly remarked, "inmein toh painting ki tarah shading hoti hai. (the shading is akin to a painting)" as he includes shades of copper, faint gold, and antique gold in a single leaflet.
I have always had a deep interest in art and literature, especially in Sanskrit classics. Our first three collections are based on them. For example, our first collection is named Ritusamhara by Kalidasa, meaning ‘Pageant of Seasons'. In this evocative poetry, seasons are portrayed in great detail in the context of the lovers’ union, giving it a distinct sringar ras (amorous hue).
Every saree in this collection is inspired by a season or the time of the day. This soft pink saree represents the season of spring, fondly named Madhumas. The setting sun of spring imparting a blush pink to the evening sky, fluttering newborn leaves, and the chirping birds flying home to their nests as the day comes to an end are elaborately embroidered on the aanchal in aari, crewel stitch and Parsi gara.
In this way, every piece we create tells a story of rich Indian heritage, inspired by Sanskrit classics, travel, and nature. Also, we are open to the fusion of different styles of craft, an attempt to keep traditional art fresh
and trendy.
Mukaish with threadwork and cutwork done in Turkish style. Zardozi, pittawork, and French knots are used together in English-style roses with traditional borders. Pittawork jaali zardozi sequins are all put together or, for that matter, hand painted with threadwork to maintain their softness. In short, a story woven in the traditional arts of Avadh, we believe in the fluid synthesis of craft and fashion.
My art is an invite, a door to my life that has inspired my art. I welcome you all, come be a part of my journey for I am, As I am! To help people to be themselves because authenticity and grace have real power.
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