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Thesis Chapters by Vaishali S Menon

On the occasion of National Handloom Day, it gives me immense pleasure to present the coffee tabl... more On the occasion of National Handloom Day, it gives me immense pleasure to present the coffee table book on Sustainable Handloom Traditions of India, that showcases the vibrant world of Indian handlooms and textile traditions, celebrating our rich cultural diversity, fine artistic skills, creativity and reverence for nature. These traditions stand as a beacon of sustainable practices based on ecological wisdom and cultural heritage. Our handloom sector is not just about weaving beautiful fabrics; it is also about weaving a sustainable future. Every region of the country has its own unique weaves and textile crafts, which have been preserved and passed on by communities over generations. The use of organic materials, natural dyes, and eco-friendly techniques reflect profound respect for nature and deep knowledge of our surrounding environment. The handloom sector has a critical role in revitalising the rural economy in a sustainable manner and contributing towards "Atmanirbhar Bharat". This coffee table book is unique in its presentation of the rich handloom traditions, challenges faced and the way forward. I am sure that the book will serve as a great resource for connoisseurs of our traditional textiles as well as those who are exploring a fresh and sustainable alternative in the form of different weaves, innovative fibers, natural dyes and embellishments in the textile and fashion sector.

Indian classical music is one of the ancient art forms in the world. Apart from being deeply spir... more Indian classical music is one of the ancient art forms in the world. Apart from being deeply spiritual, it also offers a rich visual and cultural experience.

TRANSSTELLAR : International Journal of Textiles and Fashion Technology, 2018

All art forms influence and inspire each other. Fashion too does not exist in isolation. Fashion ... more All art forms influence and inspire each other. Fashion too does not exist in isolation. Fashion is one of the important art forms which can be influenced and inspired by paintings, sculpture, architecture, music etc.
Cubism was an avant-garde modern art movement which had a huge impact on all art forms. Cubism was characterized by simultaneous perspective, geometrical fractured forms, muted depthless colors etc. Later part of Cubism was marked by the development of newer techniques like collage, photomontage and assemblage where textures was added to the composition in the form of sand, letters and other found objects in bright colors.
The present study was undertaken to compare Cubism paintings with costumes of this era to evaluate the possibilities of interrelationship between fashion and cubism. Garments of this era were analyzed for color, silhouettes, embellishments and fabrics to find parallel influences with paintings during 1906 to 1930.
From the above study, it was found that Paintings during Cubism influenced silhouette, color, texture and embellishments of the costumes worn in this era.
Synthetic cubism gave rise to newer techniques like bias cut, creating textures with pin tucks, beads, and lace with creation of new fabrics like Rayon.
Thus, proving that there is parallel influence of Cubism art movement on fashion.

Key words: Cubism, Art movement, Avant garde, Monochrome, Geometric silhouette, Deconstruction, surface texture, simultaneous perspective.

Transtellar: International journal of Textile and Fashion Technology, 2018

Architects and Costume designers both use 3 – dimensional space to create shelter for protecting ... more Architects and Costume designers both use 3 – dimensional space to create shelter for protecting human body. It is a physical expression of any culture to give aesthetic beauty to a new concept. Both disciplines share similar aesthetic expressions influencing each other’s style, during an era.
Gothic architecture during medieval era was revolutionary, resulting in some magnificent structures. Fashion was influenced heavily from architectural styles of this era.
The present study was undertaken to find these similar influences in architecture and costumes of Gothic style during medieval era.
Key characteristics of architecture were compared with costumes and it was observed that silhouette, colour, form, construction, fabrics, embellishments and accessories like shoes and headgear were influenced by the style of architecture.

Keywords: Gothic, Medieval era, Fashion, Architecture, Silhouette

IMPACT: International journal of research in Humanities,Arts and Literature, 2018

Qualitative comparison of similarities between Mughal architecture and prevailing costumes for de... more Qualitative comparison of similarities between Mughal architecture and prevailing costumes for designing contemporary wear.

Architecture and fashion plays an important role in satisfying basic human need of shelter and clothing. Both fields evolve responding to changes in surroundings brought by different culture. Different art forms in each culture borrow influences from each other to create new aesthetics. Mughal architecture stands out as the Golden age of Islamic architecture which is a fusion of Persian, Islamic and Indian influences known for symmetry, rich decorations and grand structures. Costumes worn during Mughal era were also examples of exquisite craftsmanship.
Present study was undertaken to compare similarities between features of Mughal architecture and costumes worn during this era to prove that costumes worn in any era are influenced by different art forms creating new aesthetics.
Data was collected, collated and validated with opinionnaire through survey method. Results were tabulated in the form of graphs and tables.
This study gave a conclusive result of positive correlation between features of Mughal architecture and costumes worn. This similarity was found in silhouette/shape, textures, colours, surface ornamentation and motives used for decoration.
Based on these similar features six garments were designed and acceptance study was carried out based on six parameters to find the suitability of designs for contemporary wear based on historical influences.

Keywords: Mughal architecture, Pietra dura, Jali work, Costumes, Marble and red sand stone

Conference Presentations by Vaishali S Menon

'Warp and Weft of Textiles and Clothing' Edited book of 33rd Biennial Conference of HSAI, 2020

Fibonacci sequence is a set of numbers following a unique mathematical pattern where each number ... more Fibonacci sequence is a set of numbers following a unique mathematical pattern where each number is equal to sum of the preceding two numbers.eg 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34….and so on. The Fibonacci sequence is related to the Golden ratio or proportion which is 1:1.61 This occurs in the natural world and is applied across many areas of human endeavor. Both Fibonacci and Golden proportion are used as a guideline in designing fields from architecture, paintings, fashion design among other things. This is an attempt to apply Fibonacci sequence of mathematics in designing new and innovative patterns for garments by upcycling leftover fabric scrap from tailors or garment industry, in different colours, thus supporting sustainable circular fashion. Eight designs are created for Indian and Western wear which are developed with leftover fabrics creating interesting surface pattern with different colour theories. Acceptance study was carried out using questionnaires and it was found to be well accepted by everyone.

On the occasion of National Handloom Day, it gives me immense pleasure to present the coffee tabl... more On the occasion of National Handloom Day, it gives me immense pleasure to present the coffee table book on Sustainable Handloom Traditions of India, that showcases the vibrant world of Indian handlooms and textile traditions, celebrating our rich cultural diversity, fine artistic skills, creativity and reverence for nature. These traditions stand as a beacon of sustainable practices based on ecological wisdom and cultural heritage. Our handloom sector is not just about weaving beautiful fabrics; it is also about weaving a sustainable future. Every region of the country has its own unique weaves and textile crafts, which have been preserved and passed on by communities over generations. The use of organic materials, natural dyes, and eco-friendly techniques reflect profound respect for nature and deep knowledge of our surrounding environment. The handloom sector has a critical role in revitalising the rural economy in a sustainable manner and contributing towards "Atmanirbhar Bharat". This coffee table book is unique in its presentation of the rich handloom traditions, challenges faced and the way forward. I am sure that the book will serve as a great resource for connoisseurs of our traditional textiles as well as those who are exploring a fresh and sustainable alternative in the form of different weaves, innovative fibers, natural dyes and embellishments in the textile and fashion sector.

Indian classical music is one of the ancient art forms in the world. Apart from being deeply spir... more Indian classical music is one of the ancient art forms in the world. Apart from being deeply spiritual, it also offers a rich visual and cultural experience.

TRANSSTELLAR : International Journal of Textiles and Fashion Technology, 2018

All art forms influence and inspire each other. Fashion too does not exist in isolation. Fashion ... more All art forms influence and inspire each other. Fashion too does not exist in isolation. Fashion is one of the important art forms which can be influenced and inspired by paintings, sculpture, architecture, music etc.
Cubism was an avant-garde modern art movement which had a huge impact on all art forms. Cubism was characterized by simultaneous perspective, geometrical fractured forms, muted depthless colors etc. Later part of Cubism was marked by the development of newer techniques like collage, photomontage and assemblage where textures was added to the composition in the form of sand, letters and other found objects in bright colors.
The present study was undertaken to compare Cubism paintings with costumes of this era to evaluate the possibilities of interrelationship between fashion and cubism. Garments of this era were analyzed for color, silhouettes, embellishments and fabrics to find parallel influences with paintings during 1906 to 1930.
From the above study, it was found that Paintings during Cubism influenced silhouette, color, texture and embellishments of the costumes worn in this era.
Synthetic cubism gave rise to newer techniques like bias cut, creating textures with pin tucks, beads, and lace with creation of new fabrics like Rayon.
Thus, proving that there is parallel influence of Cubism art movement on fashion.

Key words: Cubism, Art movement, Avant garde, Monochrome, Geometric silhouette, Deconstruction, surface texture, simultaneous perspective.

Transtellar: International journal of Textile and Fashion Technology, 2018

Architects and Costume designers both use 3 – dimensional space to create shelter for protecting ... more Architects and Costume designers both use 3 – dimensional space to create shelter for protecting human body. It is a physical expression of any culture to give aesthetic beauty to a new concept. Both disciplines share similar aesthetic expressions influencing each other’s style, during an era.
Gothic architecture during medieval era was revolutionary, resulting in some magnificent structures. Fashion was influenced heavily from architectural styles of this era.
The present study was undertaken to find these similar influences in architecture and costumes of Gothic style during medieval era.
Key characteristics of architecture were compared with costumes and it was observed that silhouette, colour, form, construction, fabrics, embellishments and accessories like shoes and headgear were influenced by the style of architecture.

Keywords: Gothic, Medieval era, Fashion, Architecture, Silhouette

IMPACT: International journal of research in Humanities,Arts and Literature, 2018

Qualitative comparison of similarities between Mughal architecture and prevailing costumes for de... more Qualitative comparison of similarities between Mughal architecture and prevailing costumes for designing contemporary wear.

Architecture and fashion plays an important role in satisfying basic human need of shelter and clothing. Both fields evolve responding to changes in surroundings brought by different culture. Different art forms in each culture borrow influences from each other to create new aesthetics. Mughal architecture stands out as the Golden age of Islamic architecture which is a fusion of Persian, Islamic and Indian influences known for symmetry, rich decorations and grand structures. Costumes worn during Mughal era were also examples of exquisite craftsmanship.
Present study was undertaken to compare similarities between features of Mughal architecture and costumes worn during this era to prove that costumes worn in any era are influenced by different art forms creating new aesthetics.
Data was collected, collated and validated with opinionnaire through survey method. Results were tabulated in the form of graphs and tables.
This study gave a conclusive result of positive correlation between features of Mughal architecture and costumes worn. This similarity was found in silhouette/shape, textures, colours, surface ornamentation and motives used for decoration.
Based on these similar features six garments were designed and acceptance study was carried out based on six parameters to find the suitability of designs for contemporary wear based on historical influences.

Keywords: Mughal architecture, Pietra dura, Jali work, Costumes, Marble and red sand stone

'Warp and Weft of Textiles and Clothing' Edited book of 33rd Biennial Conference of HSAI, 2020

Fibonacci sequence is a set of numbers following a unique mathematical pattern where each number ... more Fibonacci sequence is a set of numbers following a unique mathematical pattern where each number is equal to sum of the preceding two numbers.eg 0,1,1,2,3,5,8,13,21,34….and so on. The Fibonacci sequence is related to the Golden ratio or proportion which is 1:1.61 This occurs in the natural world and is applied across many areas of human endeavor. Both Fibonacci and Golden proportion are used as a guideline in designing fields from architecture, paintings, fashion design among other things. This is an attempt to apply Fibonacci sequence of mathematics in designing new and innovative patterns for garments by upcycling leftover fabric scrap from tailors or garment industry, in different colours, thus supporting sustainable circular fashion. Eight designs are created for Indian and Western wear which are developed with leftover fabrics creating interesting surface pattern with different colour theories. Acceptance study was carried out using questionnaires and it was found to be well accepted by everyone.