Upcycled-Saree Collection: Reviving Textiles through Sculptural Seating

An Innovative Design by Avni Sejpal

The Indian saree is a cherished heirloom piece of textile that often ends up in landfills due to minor wear and tear or stains. Avni Sejpal's design aims to revive this textile by creating a context for seating pieces and weaving a narrative along with the furniture. The result is a collection that not only showcases the beauty of the saree but also highlights the importance of sustainability in design.

The upcycled saree collection features a range of stools, poufs, ottomans, benches, chairs, and accessories. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that no two are alike. The collection is divided into several series, each drawing inspiration from different aspects of Indian culture.

The Royal Indian Turban - Pagri stool series is inspired by the draping techniques of the Indian turban, a symbol of honor and respect. The stools in this series vary in shape, size, and color, reflecting the diversity of turban styles across different regions and religions.

The Saree pom pom stool and pouf series takes a whimsical approach, drawing inspiration from traditional garments and accessories worn across India. By manipulating different indigenous texture techniques, Sejpal creates a vibrant and tactile series that adds a playful touch to any indoor space.

The Bindi Dot stool and pouf series is inspired by the colorful bindis that Indian women adorn on their foreheads. The resulting polka dot pattern is a vibrant graphical representation using tactile textures created from discarded silk sarees on linen.

The Chamki series, meaning "bling," takes reference from the sparkly sarees worn by Indian women during special occasions and festivities. This series incorporates various hair braiding and styling techniques used by Indian women to create different hairdos, infusing them into the weaving of the sarees to form unique seating options.

Materials used in the collection include upcycled silk sarees, 100% linen, and locally found Indian varieties of wood such as mango or acacia. The combination of these materials adds to the uniqueness and sustainability of the collection.

Avni Sejpal's upcycled saree collection not only showcases the beauty of Indian textiles but also promotes sustainable design practices. By giving new life to discarded sarees and pairing them with locally sourced wood, Sejpal creates a range of sculptural seating options that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally conscious.

The upcycled saree collection by Avni Sejpal is a testament to the power of design to transform waste into art. With its unique series of handcrafted products, this collection offers a sensorial experience that celebrates Indian heritage and promotes sustainable living.

Image Credits: Avni Sejpal

Awards and Accolades: This design was awarded the Iron A' Design Award in 2015. The award recognizes well-designed, practical, and innovative creations that meet professional and industrial requirements. The upcycled saree collection stood out for its integration of industry best practices, competent technical characteristics, and contribution to a better world through sustainable design.