Bangalore-based Sunieta Narayana runs a fashion store in Morjim, which is open only during the season, and is an attraction for many. She is known for her unique style of design, with each work of art being differently crafted, so that her clients do not find a repetition in pattern.
An environmental engineer by qualification who has worked as an Environment Health and Safety Consultant for various IT companies in India, she was fascinated by fashion design while travelling.
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“I took off on a solo backpacking adventure, and realised there was no looking back! I travelled to remote villages to meet tribals and to learn about their arts and crafts. I was super inspired! I collected antique pieces of embroidery, jewellery and embellishments along my travels. I felt inspired to create something contemporary while at same time, conserving the pieces exactly as I had found them,” she shares.
She goes on to explain on why she quit her job as consultant, “Though my job was rewarding, I felt that something was ‘missing’ and my passion for travel and tribal handicrafts started growing stronger by the day. I finally decided to quit my stable corporate job to explore my calling into fashion designing.”
Sunieta started creating bags without cutting fabric to make them. She elaborates, “I designed the bags around the original piece of fabric (as opposed to designing something and then cutting up the fabric to make it fit the design). I created boots from these textiles as an alternative to leather boots; which flew off the shelves at my first ever showcase at a local flea market. This, to a large extent also reduces the quantity of scrap from production. Whatever bits of fabric that are left over, are then turned into cute little accessories. A portion of sizeable bits of fabrics are donated to quilt makers to ensure that nothing goes to waste!”
Sunieta is also a tarot card reader and practices Reiki healing and crystal therapy; in addition to being a designer. She says, “I have regular clients for tarot card consultancy and Reiki healing. My motto is to link with the locals wherever I am; be it in Bali or in Thailand, using the techniques and workmanship that are exclusive to that land. Today, all of my designs are made in Goa by the people of Goa. It is my way of giving back to the community that I live in. It’s all about co-creating!”
