This year has brought about many opportunities. I have travelled to places new and old, meet new people, and gathered ideas for new collections. 2018 marks the 10th year Anniversary of Sayuri. This means new beginnings as well. So for the first time that I have collaborated with another brand to create a thematic collection to be sold exclusively by them. The brand is Coolture Designs and the collection is Parampare.
Coolture Designs is a partnership between Charusmitha Rao and Neelakantan. The venture aims to make culture cool, relevant and fun in a contemporary way across generations. Their first series Xplooru (Explore + Ooru) on Bengaluru (Bangalore) includes Temple trails post cards and Bengaluruina-dabbi (Bangalore in a box).
Parampare by Sayuri
Parampare means Heritage in Kannada. Parampare is a picture jewellery collection that in simple terms, reflects the Spirit of Karnataka. It is a collection of jewellery that is culturally rooted while appealing to the technologically advanced. The pieces are inspired by various cultural aspects of Karnataka like dance, craft and landmarks of the state.
Creating thematic collections is my strength and conceptualisation of a collection takes me anywhere between a few hours to a 1-2 weeks usually. However, this collection is very different. It took me a month to conceptualize, another to research and identify/create artwork and a month and a half to make it. I agree that I had multiple travel, teaching and administrative obligations in between. But Parampare has been the hardest collection that I have made so far.
Parampare Jewellery
This collection is inspired by the essence of the Kannadiga culture. The jewellery rings into form and fashion the spirit of Karnataka, particularly, Bengaluru. The royal symbols of Karnataka, its people,botanicals, temples, and crafts find mention. Handmade with love and care, Channapatna beads, handstitched fabric beads, and lampwork glass beads, these are necklaces and earrings like no other.
In this post let me show you a small glimpse of what to expect in this line. You might remember seeing the Mysore Durbar necklace as a teaser of this collection in my post on Turquoise jewellery for the Swap N Hop. Here it is once again to jog your memory.
Mysore Durbar Necklace
A beautiful braided cord choker with howlite drops in the turquoise colour features the resplendence of Mysore Amba Vilas Palace. The Mysore Durbar here is attended by dignitaries in the presence of Jayamacharya Woodeyar on the occasion of Mysore Dusshera.
Botanical jewellery
In the past, I have dabbled with jewellery that is inspired by flowers, trees, plants, and shrubs. However, the botanical jewellery that I am going to be showing here is different in its context. Both these pieces not just have a strong connection to Bangalore but also deep personal ties.
Banglore is called as the garden city of India and is known for its parks and gardens. Of the plants, flowers, and trees that grow here, two are very special.
Tabebuia Tree
If you have seen trees that look like they have cotton candy growing on them then you have seen Tabebuia trees in your life. Locally known as the “Basant Rani” the pink flowers of the Tabebuia Tree captivates all those who look at it. This necklace with glass beads and a beaded wire wrapped tree is chic, ethereal and poignant. It is much like the Tabebuia Trees that add a dash of colour to the garden city of India. Reminiscent of the Lal Bagh glass house grills in evening light, the golden connectors in are a nod to how nature is preserved in this city.
Sampige Earrings
The first time I lived in Banglore was during my internship in 2006. I stayed at Malleshwaram and would pass by this road called Sampige road every day. The street was named after the Sampiege trees that once populated that area. Also known as champaka, shenbagam, or Magnolia champaca, Sampige is the flower with a mesmerising smell. Inspired by these flowers I have created Sampige flower earrings with agate beads and purple lotus studs.
That brings us to the end of this introductory post. I am looking forward to reading about your impressions and feedback regarding this collection. Parampare is not only for Kannadigas. It is for anyone who collects stories of culture with the hope of preserving them for the future.
Prampare is a collection of thematic picture jewellery inspired by the wearable heritage of Karnatka. It has been created by Divya N for Sayuri and sold exclusively by Coolture Designs. To buy this collection head over the Coolture’s Facebook shop . Do follow me on Instagram for new reveals and behind the scenes action.
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