This year, South Asian Heritage Month has the theme of Stories to Tell.
Stories are an important part of my approach to design and several of my knitwear collections engage with my own Indian heritage.
Marlet long jumper.
At the studio, we find it interesting (and hope visitors do too!) to talk about how sources of inspiration from India and my family history intersect and merge with influences from the local context here in Shetland – my home and and where our knitwear is made.
Wild elephants, Kerala.
The Marlet collection (Marlet is the Shetland word for mottled) came about after travels in Kerala and encounters with Asian elephants. One in the wild, and rather too close for comfort!
Rescued elephant, Kerala.
Further meetings with elephants in a sanctuary led me to appreciate the beautiful mottled markings that appear with age as skin pigmentation fades on Asian elephants' ears and head – and also the velvety softness of their skin.
These markings became a pattern, which flows across a series of garments.
Deeper layers of meaning are here too – connected to my philosophy of knitwear as a protective outer skin that makes us feel safe, can be a defence, or a tool for communication with others.
Asian elephants use their ears for all of these purposes; they are fascinating creatures.
The Marlet jumper shown here is marine gansey-like in its straight style and stand-up neck, and similar to jumpers worn by Shetland fishermen.
My contemporary take on Shetland knitwear is merged with a pattern derived from the majestic and revered elephants of Kerala.
We've enjoyed reading tales of diaspora and heritage this month – please do share yours and any other stories that you have found interesting.
With thanks to South Asian Heritage Month for their important work.