Pallavi Padukone

Many of us in urban environments crave a connection with nature. By interacting with its elements, nature activates feelings of calm and joy. During this unsettling period of being quarantined in our homes, in response to the outbreak of COVID-19, emotional and mental well-being has become increasingly necessary and important. The sense of smell is a powerful catalyst to trigger memories and comfort. I have developed a system of integrating fragrance through yarns that are coated and dyed with natural scents and used in hand-weaving and embroidery. In my collection, I play with scents that have a strong connection with my South Indian heritage; I incorporate, for example, hand-spun recycled sari silk, fragrant vetiver root, and naturally dyed organza silk. Reimagining the fragrance industry, I use textiles as aromatherapy to condense time and distance and create an immersive experience to reconnect us with nature and nostalgia.