
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...
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Image Credits:
Lead Image: Citrus Fruit embroidery on handwoven silk, by Marasim.
All other images as credited in photo captions.