These two looks bring together innovations in Kalamkari with two different Misha Japanwala breastplates. The meeting of hand-painted textile, sculptural armor, and theatrical draping creates a vision that blurs the lines between craft, fashion, and sculpture.
For the indoor looks Nikaytaa says, “The breastplate by Misha Japanwala looked exquisite with the checked red Kanjivaram. We chose a Nivi drape with a low pallu so as to highlight the breastplate blouse. Nikita’s Kalamkari sari draped as an extra dupatta gloriously flowed at the back, adding an ethereal touch to LaWhore’s brilliance.”
Misha Japanwala is a Pakistani artist and fashion designer renowned for her sculptural breastplates that reclaim and redefine the female body. Her work blends fashion and fine art, creating body casts that challenge societal norms related to shame, gender, and autonomy. The breastplate stands out as both armor and sculpture. Its presence against silk and painted organza makes a statement about power and beauty. The low Nivi pallu frames the breastplate blouse, while the flowing dupatta suggests movement and grace. Each part of the ensemble highlights a different layer of history , weaving technique, ritual meaning, and modern performance.
The sari’s are Kalamkari, a hand-painting art from Andhra Pradesh that goes back three thousand years. This craft began as temple textile work and grew into a form of visual storytelling. Artists use cotton and natural dyes, drawing with a bamboo pen called a kalam. Kalamkari carries motifs of myth, flowers, and geometry. It has shifted from ritual hangings to modern saris and organza, with classic designs now reimagined for fashion.
This ensemble features the revival work of Mamata Reddy, brought together by Untitle by Nikita. For over two decades, Mamata Reddy has dedicated herself to preserving and renewing Kalamkari, especially in Srikalahasti. Moved by the decline of the craft and the challenges faced by artisans, she worked closely with Kalamkari families and mastered every step of the process, from preparing natural dyes to hand-painting textiles. Her vision helped restore livelihoods, brought together scattered artisans, and ensured the tradition would continue for future generations. At Kalam Creations, Mamata Reddy combines authentic techniques and classic motifs with fresh design ideas, keeping Kalamkari vibrant and cherished today.
For the look in the garden, the directive here was for LaWhore to imitate a statue in the garden. Nikaytaa says, “I draped the sari in a Nivi drape but tied the pallu around LaWhore like a bow. The knot in the front, sans safety pins, held the weight of the pallu during the photoshoot.”
Did you know that Kalamkari comes from the Persian words for pen and craft. Traditional Kalamkari dyes were made from plants and minerals. Kanjivaram silk is woven in Tamil Nadu and often passed down for generations. Modern designers use Kalamkari and Kanjivaram together to bridge old and new, sacred and playful.
Sari: untitle by nikita, kalamcreations by mamata reddy
Breastplate: Misha Japanwala