Eye on India - Saree Project
The Saree (Sari) Project was created to teach Indian fashion in the U.S. through a sustainability-first, hands-on studio experience. Using donated sarees in a range of fibers and weights, a faculty-guided cohort explored zero-waste design and upcycling methods. Students transformed pre-loved textiles into contemporary garments that blend Indian heritage with American styling—showing how cultural storytelling and circular design can strengthen each other.
The Saree Fashion Project quickly became a standout of the Eye on India Festival. I worked with Columbia College Chicago fashion faculty and students to reimagine the saree—a traditional textile—into contemporary garments. The project required significant coordination across sourcing, studio planning, and critique, and I’ve helped lead and facilitate it since its inception.
Sears/Willis Tower Exhibit - Chicago
The Saree Project quickly became a must-see at the Eye on India Festival—where design, fashion, and education come together to build deeper understanding between India and the U.S., and to spotlight Indian American stories and creativity.
I’m grateful to the faculty participants and the Eye on India Foundation for the opportunity, and especially to the students who brought curiosity, care, and bold imagination to the work—and shared it so beautifully with the community.
Experiential Learning in the Classroom: Bridging Cultures Through Design
Students drew inspiration from Indian customs, dress, and spiritual traditions—and reflected on their own identities, faith, and sense of belonging.
