The brief: A play on the game "Name, Place, Animal, Thing", led to the deep study of my very own thing, the 'matchbox'. The brief was to create a 2024 Spring Summer Women's Ready to Wear Trendspotting study inspired by the matchbox.
The extensive study helped me dive into the Indian matchboxes and how unusual and fascinating pieces of art came about, which perhaps at the time could not have been understood quite the same.
With the most iconic elements in mind like the elephant, spider, butterfly and flowers of all kinds, styled garments were created which contained layers and cuts all throughout, suggesting the very crack in the box while also staying true to the brazen and whimsical tone.
At last, was the step to create fashion illustrations that embodied the theme and what better way than to have matchstick like figures dress up?
The project has not only helped me understand from where and how Fashion derives its inspiration, but also realizing the absolute joy a small matchbox contains and how these stories are equally important to remember and cherish.
If I ever see any matchbox from now on, atleast for me, it'll be a different story.
Sakshi Bhargava
Department of Fashion Communication 2021-25
National Institute of Fashion Technology, New Delhi
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