THE SQUARE ROUTE

WARI WATAI, BENGALURU

Wallpapers and lifestyle products for Wari Watai (India Lives Project)

As part of the Graduation project at National Institute of Design,

the Toda tribe of Ooty, Nilgris was closely studied for their culture and embroidery techniques,

under the "India Lives" project. This study was taken forward to develop wallpapers

and lifestyle products for Wari Watai, a multidisciplinary design studio, based at Bengaluru.

Re-imagining the evolution of shapes within a SQUARE,

interpreted as a living universe of shapes; the collection is

sophisticated, organised, minimal and intricate.

Taking forth the essence of the age old craft

of Toda embroidery, the collection results in a modern twist of shapes and sizes

in cool and plush colours, for the soul that wishes to leave a mark.

Simple geometric outlines are brought to life through muted tones

in raised patterns in the technique of velvet printing, to give a contemporary

yet hand done feeling. The surface has a play of geometric forms as embroidered stitch lines

with a unique modern character. The palette ranges from elegant blues to

soft powder greys to deep powdered charcoal. The look is simple yet strong,

for those who are bold and charismatic in their choices.

The collection comprises wallpapers and 2 lifestyle products –

a Folding blind, with copper wire embroidery on a light linen base and

a Wall hanging with hemp wirestring embroidery on a heavy linen base.