Taarini Anand Weaves Indian Heritage into Whimsical Menswear

Mumbai-based designer Taarini Anand is making waves in the menswear scene with her eponymous brand, which artfully blends classic garment structures with a whimsical spirit deeply rooted in Indian art and culture. After a formative year studying in Milan, Anand returned to India, reignited by a desire to explore the country’s profound visual and artistic heritage. This inspiration is now woven into every piece of her collection, which is not only made in India but also intrinsically connected to its historic and contemporary visual narratives.

Artistic Inspirations

Anand’s designs often feature subtle yet striking references to India’s rich artistic past. For instance, her silk “Manar” jacket incorporates arching forms in its placket, directly inspired by architectural details found in 17th-century Indian miniature paintings. This inspiration extends to complementary pieces, such as cream-colored trousers made from handloom khadi denim, featuring a cotton-silk lining and a hand-crotched lace border that echoes the same artistic typology.

Beyond miniature paintings, Anand draws from a broad spectrum of Indian artistic influences. She acknowledges iconic artists like Amrita Sher-Gil and Raja Ravi Varma, who significantly shaped Indian art. Contemporary artists, such as Hemali Vadalia with her paintings of quotidian life, also contribute to her creative process. Anand has also been moved by installations like Varad Bang’s “The Weight of Love,” inspired by Wong Kar-Wai’s film “In the Mood for Love.” Her previous collection even took cues from the Ajanta and Ellora caves, UNESCO heritage sites renowned for their ancient artistry and construction.

A Craftsmanship Legacy

The core of Taarini Anand’s brand lies in its colorful handknitted pieces, a craft passed down through her family. Anand works closely with her mother and grandmother, who are actively involved in developing and testing samples, pushing the technical boundaries of hand knitting. They explore complex techniques like jacquard and intarsia, using various yarn types and colors to create intricate patterns.

This dedication to handcraft extends to a network of craft clusters across India. Anand collaborates with groups of skilled knitters, often women, located outside major urban centers. These clusters, found in regions like Uttarakhand and Punjab, as well as in Mumbai’s Bandra, Dharavi, and Kalbadevi, possess deep technical knowledge of knitting. Anand highlights the often-hierarchical structure within these communities, where a master knitter may coordinate work among smaller groups of artisans.

A Celebration of Women in Craft

The practice of hand knitting holds particular significance for Anand, having inherited it through the matriarchal side of her family. She notes that hand knitting has historically been a functional, domestic craft primarily practiced by women, especially in colder regions where additional layers are essential. In remote hilly areas, women still hand-spin yarn from wool directly from sheep they herd themselves.

Anand intentionally brings this aspect of her brand to the forefront. For one of her fashion shows, her grandmother was present on the runway, knitting as models walked, symbolizing the origin of the craft for Anand. Before the show, she played recordings of the lively conversations of the women who produce the garments, aiming to give presence to the individuals who contribute to each piece.

Key facts

Anand’s approach emphasizes that her garments are not merely fashion items but embodiments of cultural narratives and a testament to the skill and dedication of the craftswomen she collaborates with. By weaving together artistic inspiration and traditional techniques, she offers a unique perspective on contemporary menswear that resonates with a deep appreciation for India’s heritage.

Source: Taarini Anand on creating whimsical menswear inspired by Indian art and culture – Designboom – https://www.designboom.com/design/taarini-anand-on-creating-whimsical-menswear-inspired-by-indian-art-and-culture/