The logo is based on a depiction of the Hindu God Brahma. In Hinduism, Brahma’s four faces symbolize the four main qualities a human possesses: mind, intellect, ego, and self-confidence. This deep symbolism forms the foundation of the project, as I explore the intersection of cultural identity and personal experience through fashion.
Four Faces is a personal project that seeks to bridge the gap between my cultural heritage and modern design. As a second-generation immigrant, I use this clothing line to tell my story by merging Rajasthani and Mughal miniature paintings with vintage graphic styles from the 1950s and 1970s. Each piece is designed to reflect my cultural experiences, creating wearable stories that combine tradition and contemporary fashion.
Design Approach:
This project allowed me to explore a fusion of two distinct eras and styles. The intricate, historical detail of miniature art is juxtaposed with bold, retro graphics, resulting in a visually rich and deeply personal collection. Drawing from my own life as inspiration, I aimed to create pieces that resonate with my identity and others who seek to express their heritage through fashion.
This project allowed me to explore a fusion of two distinct eras and styles. The intricate, historical detail of miniature art is juxtaposed with bold, retro graphics, resulting in a visually rich and deeply personal collection. Drawing from my own life as inspiration, I aimed to create pieces that resonate with my identity and others who seek to express their heritage through fashion.
"Lotus" Raw Denim – A Symbol of Self-Evolution and Growth
This piece represents the journey of self-evolution and growth. In Hinduism, the white lotus symbolizes the expansion of awareness, leading to the full evolution of the soul. The pink lotus, on the other hand, represents growth. By combining the two, I aimed to embody both concepts—using a white stem to reflect the purity and awareness of the white lotus and the pink petals for growth.
The design is screen-printed onto blue denim, where the lotus will naturally fade over time, symbolizing how growth and evolution continue with us through life's journey. The denim, representing water, suggests the jeans themselves will change and evolve with you, making them a unique reflection of time and personal growth.
"Lucky Strike" Bowling Shirt – Inspired by Fire and Play
As a child, I had a fascination with fire, often playing with matches and lighting agarbatti (incense) and diyas (small Indian lamps) during morning prayers with my mum. This design draws from those memories, with vintage Indian matchboxes serving as a key source of inspiration.
The playful connection between fire and bowling inspired the theme—striking a match and getting a strike in bowling. By combining these ideas, the design evokes a sense of nostalgia and playfulness, merging the traditions of my childhood with the fun and energy of bowling.
"Aaji" T-Shirt – A Tribute to My Grandma
This T-shirt was created to honor my grandma, or "Aaji" in Gujarati. The Gujarati text on the shirt reads, “Mārā ajī’ē mārā māṭē ā lakhyuṁ chē,” which translates to "My grandma wrote this for me." The design reflects both a personal and cultural connection, as my grandma is the most culturally connected member of our family, while I’ve experienced a sense of disconnect from certain aspects of our heritage.
The graphic features a portrait of her in the Rajasthani miniature art style, with her original handwriting printed on a blue t-shirt—her favorite color. This piece not only commemorates her but also symbolizes my ongoing relationship with my cultural identity.
"Good Things" – Reclaiming the Swastika
As a child, I only knew the swastika as an auspicious symbol of good luck and protection, commonly seen around our house. It wasn’t until my classmates began asking if I was a Nazi that I learned about the symbol’s negative associations in the West. At just 11, I was horrified to discover the swastika’s misuse by the Nazis and the misconceptions people had about it in connection to my heritage.
Over time, I became hesitant to share or display the symbol, even asking my mum to stop drawing it in my books. Recently, my 16-year-old cousin shared a similar experience of constantly explaining the symbol's true meaning to his peers and eventually hiding it, just as I had done. This conversation reminded me of why creating this T-shirt was important—to reclaim the swastika's original meaning and highlight the cultural misunderstanding surrounding it.
The design serves as a reminder of the symbol’s rich history in Hinduism and other ancient cultures, where it represents good luck, not hate.
"Free Your Mind" Sweatshirt – Inspired by Rajasthani and Mughal Miniature Art
This graphic draws clear inspiration from Rajasthani and Mughal miniature art, featuring an Indian man with his eyes closed in a calm, meditative state. Rays emanate from his Tilak (the red mark on his forehead), symbolizing the awakening of the third eye, or "Anja chakra." In Indian culture, the Tilak represents one's ability to access inner wisdom, see the world clearly, and move beyond ego.
The words “tamārā mananē mukta karō,” which translate to “free your mind,” are written alongside the rays, expanding on the theme of inner clarity and mental liberation. Through this design, I aim to encourage a release of anxieties, reminding us that the world is much bigger than the negative thoughts that often occupy our minds.
"Light" Hoodie – Inspired by Diwali
This design is inspired by Diwali, the biggest holiday in India, also known as the festival of lights. Diwali is celebrated over five days with prayer, feasts, fireworks, family gatherings, and charitable giving. In Hinduism, Diwali marks the return of Prince Rama after 14 years of exile, with lamps lit in his honor. During this festival, we light diyas (lamps) in our homes and keep all the lights on to symbolize the triumph of light over darkness.
Through this design, I wanted to communicate the message that even in the darkest times, there is always light—so never give up. The vibrant colors in the design are directly inspired by Rajasthani miniature paintings, while the layout takes inspiration from vintage American college sweatshirts, blending traditional elements with modern styles.
Software:
Adobe: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
All mock-ups created by me
Adobe: Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop
All mock-ups created by me
