Feeling Fruity: A Juicy Design Journey with Marasim
As the weather continues to warm, perhaps you are craving something succulent and juicy to refresh the palette? Fruits have captivated designers throughout history, and at Marasim - founded by Nidhi Garg Allen - this natural fascination takes centre stage as the fashion house explores how nature's sweetest offerings continue to influence contemporary design. The company's name - meaning "connected to our roots" in Hindi - captures their mission to preserve and revive global craft cultures while bringing authentic artisanship to patrons worldwide. Through direct partnerships with skilled artisans in Indian villages, Marasim creates ethical, sustainable fashion that bridges Eastern and Western aesthetics with genuine cultural storytelling.
Quilt Facing, 17th - 19th century, Artist/maker unknown, Turkish. Courtesy of Philadelphia Museum of Art
Just as the artisans at Marasim have drawn inspiration from the abundant orchards and gardens surrounding their villages, fruit has also provided a rich harvest of design motifs across other cultures. Take the pomegranate, for instance - this ruby-jewelled fruit has been enchanting cultures for millennia. Its burst of crimson seeds symbolises abundance and divine blessing across Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. In Islamic tradition, pomegranates were revered as one of four sacred trees alongside olives, dates, and figs, their rich symbolism woven into countless tiles, fabrics, and paintings. Jewish culture particularly honours this fruit during Rosh Hashanah celebrations, where it represents hopes for a fruitful year ahead.
Emboidery with yellow paisley motifs worked in silk. Featured in the article 'Yellow', Selvedge Issue 101
Perhaps no fruit has left a more lasting impression on fashion than the voluptuous mango. Its curved, sensual form captured the imagination of Indian and Persian artists, who transformed its shape into the timeless paisley motif. Those graceful teardrops we see dancing across textiles today? They're love letters to the mango's natural elegance, proving that the most enduring designs often spring from the simplest inspirations.
Citrus fruits bring their own brand of sunshine to the design world. The vibrant oranges and golden lemons that dominated spring 2025 runways carry centuries of cultural weight. During the Renaissance, these zesty hues signalled wealth and power - the Medici family famously featured citrus fruits on their coat of arms. Today's designers continue to harness these energising tones to evoke themes of renewal and fresh beginnings.
Loewe and Paula's Ibiza Leather Pineapple Bucket Bag, 2021
The pineapple deserves special mention as fashion's original luxury symbol. With its crown-like top and textured exterior, this tropical treasure has graced everything from architectural details to fine textiles, embodying warmth and gracious hospitality. Its enduring appeal speaks to our fascination with exotic beauty.
Contemporary fashion houses maintain this fruity love affair with gusto. Dolce & Gabbana celebrates Italian produce through vibrant prints, while Valentino's pomegranate lace has become iconic. Designers like Phoebe Philo and Stella McCartney have embraced banana motifs at Chloe, and Loewe transforms fruits and vegetables into stunning leather showcases.
At Marasim, this inspiration comes alive through handwoven silk featuring luminous citrus yarns. Each piece captures the essence of sun-warmed oranges, while honouring the ancient traditions that connect us to our roots - a deliciously sophisticated celebration of nature's enduring influence on human creativity.
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Further Information:
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Citrus Fruit embroidery on handwoven silk, by Marasim.
All other images as credited in photo captions.