SKETCHING/ DESIGNING PROCESS
HOW I STARTED
After finally completing my background research on Nepal's cultural dresses, I started focusing on putting my ideas onto paper. Before I started sketching, I went onto Pinterest and created a couple of boards with westernized fashion styles.
To the right is an example of a board I created. With this board, I put together Nepali designs (particularly from the cultures I am representing) and westernized designs. Having the two styles next to each other allowed me to gain inspiration for my designs and how I wanted to mix and match the styles.
These Pinterest boards allowed me to start sketching out my ideas.
MY SKETCHES
DHAKA VESTS/PANTS
The Dhaka sweater vests with the matching pants was the first pieces of clothing I designed. I had decided that I wanted the Dhaka fabric to go over the sweater vest design because I had looked into different Pinterest boards, and saw that sweater vests are in. I picked Dhaka as the material I am designing with Dhaka because it is a widespread fabric in Nepal and every culture has Dhaka incorporated into people’s day-to-day clothing choices. With the vest, I decided that I wanted to make matching pants to make a full outfit. From this design, I had decided that I wanted to create a Denim / Multipatch fashion line; the style therms of my line.
MULTI-PATCH NAMASTE NEWARI CREWNECK + PANTS
I decided that i wanted to include the hello and goodbyes of my culture and so I wanted to put in Namaste. I decided on the flamboyant floral pattern fabric because the Magar people incorporate the bright colors and flowers into their traditional cultural outfits. On my final collection page, I substituted the floral fabric with the striking red Haku Patasi fabric (Newar culture’s traditional wear).
NAMASTE DENIM HALTER TOP + CREWNECK/ PANTS
I sketched out this outfit in two phases. First, I had designed the pants. I sketched out the detailed version of the pants with the assistance of the light box. The patches I chose were the Om sign (which represents peace and serenity in Nepal), I chose the Newari princesses’ eyes (which are very significant in the Newari culture because the princess is royalty in an auspicious way), and the outline of the Machupuchre mountains in Nepal’s vast Himalayas. I chose to back the Himalayas with the Gurung skirt fabric because the Gurung people reside up on the mountainous regions of Kathmandu and the villages. Once I finished the sketch, I realized that I wanted the full effect of these pants (here is phase two); so I designed a matching halter top. The top includes the same patches as the pants, but on the back of the top.
SLIT GURUNG TOP/PANTS
Coming in a variety of sizes and color styles, this item provides an elegant touch to my latest collection. I was very influenced by modern culture and social attitudes while designing my Black & White Collection, something I hope resonates with the wearer. A must-have for any fashion season, get in touch to order yours today.
SHEER DHAKA TOP W/ CARGO PANTS
I decided on this “slit top” idea when I found an opportunity to go “flashy.” The top has the Gurung fabric-lined along its sides and then has dangly gold coins attached to the sides to give it a more elegant, and expressive look. With this top, I designed matching pants that have the same layout.
DESIGNING/CREATING
After I had completed all of my sketches and received all the fabrics and clothing for this project, I started to create them. To see how I created my designs watch my vlog!