TIGRA TIGRA
“I believe the history behind the textiles is what makes the work so special.”
To predict the future is to understand the past. To be present is to celebrate tradition and anticipate the road ahead. That’s exactly where you can find TIGRA TIGRA - uniquely and conscientiously weaving together the past and the future. Their creations travel in time, spanning centuries, so you can feel what it’s like to live in the moment.
Who makes up the team at TIGRA TIGRA and what's the origin of your name?
Myself, my development and production manager in Ahmedabad and a team of artisans. My friend Cassi told me of a children's show called Tinga Tinga and I loved the ring of it. Tigra Tigra was a natural progression.
Your bio says “handicraft futurism” - a phrase that lends clever juxtaposition of something “handmade” and “cutting edge.” What does this phrase mean to TIGRA TIGRA and how does it describe your approach?
We celebrate handicraft techniques around the world. in some places like India, there is so much handicraft in existence but in the US and Europe - it is becoming more and more rare and something people associate with the past. the concept was to promote handicraft and bring it into the future and combine my design sensibilities with artisan design work and their ideas.
Your pieces consist of different patterns, bright colors, and unique textures and materials. What influences your design? How do you go about sourcing your materials?
In the communities where we work, we use all local materials and what is available. Different techniques or designs artisans come up with are most always the baseline of the work and then we go from there into new possibilities or adaptation.
You've developed collections using techniques that date back centuries. How important is the preservation of tradition In your garments? Do you feel these techniques provide a challenge or an advantage when designing?
I believe the history behind the textiles is what makes the work so special. We are also using it in new ways. There is an ancient textile called mashroo which we use very much, but newly interpreted - in ways I haven't really seen much of, like quilting it into a puffy bright green trouser with metal snaps down the sides.
Speaking of centuries-old techniques, you state that "None of our textile production requires electricity.” Can you talk more about how you reduce energy consumption when producing your collections?
We source all local yarns and textiles, and dye and embroider and sew all locally in Gujarat. all the textiles are made on hand-looms, all the textile work is done by hand and takes a lot of focus and dedication.
“To have great design ideas is a beautiful thing but the world is overrun with things - it needs to have a deeper purpose.”
How important is it to have a direct relationship and collaboration with the artisans who produce your pieces?
It's everything in terms of tigra
What feeling do you want people to experience when wearing your clothing?
Connection to humanity
NAME Some SONGS YOU'RE LISTENING TO AT THE MOMENT.
How do you view the fashion industry today? Are you seeking to make a difference?
Seeking to make a difference in a small way and maybe also inspiring others to create more purposefully and not only in a vacuum. To have great design ideas is a beautiful thing but the world is overrun with things - it needs to have a deeper purpose.
What sources of inspiration offer you the most creative ideas?
People I work with, vintage magazines and vintage clothing
What is your favorite part of the creation process?
Styling
