Our First Design Residency Program

Introduction: 

Throughout the residency, students engaged in collection planning, working with line-up sheets, and conducting extensive research and development. They explored textiles deeply, experimenting with natural dyes, illustrating designs, understanding fabric compositions, and perfecting embellishments and finishes. This holistic approach enriched their cognitive and creative abilities.

The program concluded on a high note, with both students and designers walking away with a wealth of experience. Designers were invigorated by the students' fresh perspectives and boundless enthusiasm, making the residency a mutually beneficial and joyous journey for all involved.

Students' Note: 

We arrived at Heena Agrima, exuberant and rather expectant on the morning of the 1st of June 2024 with our pockets filled with optimism that we held for the two months that lay ahead of us. Oddly enough even though we were seeing each other for the first time, our nerves were calm and the conference room where we were seated was consumed by an air of friendliness and familiarity. We spent the first afternoon getting to know each other and our cultures as there was a lot of diversity in the room while the founders, emulated the ethos of their brand, HeenaAgrima, their core beliefs, principles and values. 

 The greater part of our first week was spent hashing out the designs of the new collection. HA narrated their vision to us and we went over each detail, each embroidery and each stitch, carefully. Once we had been made aware of the design language and had modeled ourselves on it, we began the hit and trial process- exploring with different dyeing techniques and embroideries to see which one would be most suitable. Shreya R, Pakhi and Muskan worked on the colors of the collection, swatching each color that was to be used on their specific materials.They also explored Shibori techniques along with abstract dyeing methods.

The textile explorations team included Shreya S, Uma, Ketara, Cheychi and Ankita. They worked closely with different surface ornamentation techniques like applique, couching, tartans along with myriad stitch techniques exploring the combinations of the same. Cheychi also worked with ruffles and figured out the details of patchwork with Muskan. Vidhi and Ananya were a part of the pattern making team and they explored the patterns that were new to the collection like the wrap skirt and the wrap pants. Avantika and Muskan figured out the metegrage for the entire collection. We also dabbled in the arena of accessory making with Avantika, Katyayni and Ketara working on the same. 

From this phase we moved on and finalized which of the swatches we made were to be used and began working on our final garments. This time around, even though we were paired in twos and assigned looks separately, everyone worked symbiotically and helped each other.

First, we carried out the dyeing for the entire collection. We made cohesive and extensive lists to do this more efficiently. From the first step of scouring, to mordanting to dyeing, all happened harmoniously together. Simultaneously, teams worked on Shibori, abstract painting and eco printing so we could wrap up the segment. From here, we began the process of surface ornamentation. While some teams started working on the adda, some focused on the work that was to be put on the embroidery machine and others worked on 3D flowers.

At the same time, garments that had undergone all these processes were being managed and sent to the tailoring team for cutting and stitching. When the workload seemed to lessen, we began working on the sets for the photoshoot, patching leftover fabric to make the background, figuring out the lineup and so on. 

 Eventually, our final aims seemed to assimilate as we came closer to the launch and everyone contributed to every part of the collection. Each day we grew closer to each other, sitting together, sharing our tiffins and in extension ourselves- exchanging stories from our homes. The environment at the studio was nothing short of stimulating; we were always surrounded by enriching books and more than that, Heena and Agrima never missed an opportunity to help us by making us see how we could improve.

When you add the fact that we are all design and creative enthusiasts to the mix, you get the perfect recipe to boost your creativity. We were privileged to work with the most marvellous and supportive team, with some of the most considerate professionals and under wonderful mentors.

With Love, 

Ankita Jadhav, Ananya Shetty, Avantika Pasari, Cheychi Sherpa, Katyayni Rathore, Ketaraa S, Muskaan Jaiswal, Pakhi Saraswat, Shreya Rana, Shreya Sukale, Uma Mhatre, Vidhi Jalan. 

Designer's note:

Dear Students,

We wanted to take a moment to reflect on the thrilling experience of this residency program. It was a brilliant exploration of discipline and the flow of your creative energies. Your enthusiasm was palpable, and it highlighted the gaps that exist when students transition from college to the industry.

As designers, we recognize the importance of bridging these gaps. Time management and cognitive skills, such as dealing with labor and clients, are crucial. While colleges focus heavily on crafts, techniques, and fashion-related skills, it is the industry's responsibility to refine you into successful creators, designers, and industry leaders. Only then can we foster healthy competition and bridge the gap between design colleges and the industry.

We are incredibly grateful for this opportunity. You have demonstrated immense talent, quick learning, and insightful grasp of new concepts. If this training program were extended to all students, the fabric of our industry would undoubtedly improve. More people would be drawn to fashion and textiles, benefiting both the industry and educational institutions.

Your commitment to the curriculum and the journey of exploration has been commendable. This residency program has felt more like a creative and cognitive training ground, and we have enjoyed leading this team. Seeing you eat, work, and collaborate together in healthy competition has been incredibly rewarding.

We feel proud of the collection LA PYAAR. Whether it becomes a commercial success or not, it is a success in our hearts because it turned out exactly as we hoped. This personal victory is shared by all of us. The energy exchange in this program was extraordinary, and it was heartwarming to witness the camaraderie among you.

We are grateful to the entire team for teaching us valuable lessons about love, resilience, persistence, and the importance of personal satisfaction in creative endeavors. Your purity, honesty, and dedication to your work make us proud. We believe that the industry will be blessed to have such beautiful individuals contributing to its growth.

Thank you for being part of this residency program. We have loved having you here and will miss your presence in the studio.

Warm regards and all our love and luck for your future.
The Design Team (Heena and Agrima) 

<3 lots of flowers

HA

*This blog has been written by the entire team of this residency program which includes the students and the designer.