Chennai-based artist Lakshmi Srinath’s latest collection at Tvam Art and Design Studio is a fusion of art, heritage, and fashion

The Gwalior Fort inspired stole
| Photo Credit: Special Arrangement

At Tvam Art and Design Studio, the latest line of saris, blouses, and Western wear designed by artist and designer Lakshmi Srinath showcases her perspective of colours, Nature, and heritage.

Among her creations, a wrap and a shirt inspired by the Raneh Falls stand out. Located on the Ken River in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, the falls has carved a deep canyon of pure crystalline granite in varying shades, juxtaposed against blue-green waters. The ochre granite and shimmering water are reflected in Lakshmi’s design.

Lakshmi’s work for the Sanskrit film Sakuntalam, directed by Dushyanth Sridhar, is a testament to this vision. Shot across heritage sites such as Lepakshi, the Badami Caves, Aihole and Pattadakal, the film allowed Lakshmi to document these locations through her photography. She further deepened her understanding by travelling extensively with historian and art critic Ashrafi S Bhagat, who provided academic insights into sites such as the Puri Jagannath Temple, Raneh falls, Gwalior Fort, Ajanta and Ellora caves and the Sanchi Stupa.

This sari was inspired by the Gwalior Fort
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

In her latest collection, Lakshmi integrates heritage themes with a distinct colour palette. Ochre, terracotta, black, orange, yellow, red, pink, blue, and grey dominate her designs. She works around a central theme, creating motifs and patterns that reflect the essence of each heritage site.

One of her saris, inspired by the Konark Sun Temple, features a pallu embroidered in black, grey, and gold to represent the sun, while the body is a rich earthy brown. Her Gwalior Fort sari in resplendent turquoise blue and pale yellow is striking, while the Le Pakshi-inspired design highlights geometric patterns on the pallu and border.

To mark the launch of her new line, a musical concert by Gurupriya Atreya, curated by Alaap, was organised at her studio. Traversing the landscape of the country, the music was an ode to befitting ode to the collection. It navigated languages and ideas through the lens of a woman reiterating Lakshmi’s own story in visual art, design and fashion.

Beyond textiles, Lakshmi has designed jewellery inspired by bidri inlay work from north-eastern Karnataka, dhokra metal craft from Odisha and Chhattisgarh, and pattachitra art from Odisha. She has also created an array of thematic blouses and potlis.

The Raneh falls inspired oufit.
| Photo Credit:
Special Arrangement

With a preference for Chanderi fabric, Lakshmi’s designs are a testament to the enduring influence of history, reimagined through contemporary fashion.

See the collection at Tvam Art and Design Studio, RA Puram from 10am to 6pm. Monday to Saturday.