IIAD Designers Weave Imagination at World of Wearable Art Competition

Overview

Two talented graduates from the Indian Institute of Art & Design (IIAD), Sanskriti Maheshwari and Naseeb Sihag, etched their names in the global design landscape by competing and commanding attention in the prestigious World of Wearable Art (WOW) competition in New Zealand. 

Table of contents

• Sanskriti Maheshwari: Exploring Hybrid Humanity
• Naseeb Sihag: Nostalgia as an Artistic Medium
• The Emerging Landscape of Wearable Art
• The Material of Imagination
• The IIAD Legacy

 

This year (2024), WOW’s theme, “Dream Awake,” invited designers to explore their wildest imaginations. Finalists hailed from 15 countries and presented pieces crafted from diverse materials—from reclaimed glass to sculpted metal.

The IIAD graduates expressed their innovation, originality and pushed the boundaries of creativity to showcase their talent on a global stage. Their work represents a new generation of Indian designers who are unafraid of challenging the status quo.

This article explores the motivation, behind-the-scenes, and creative process that led to the creation of exquisite wearable art showcased to over 60,000 people.

Sanskriti Maheshwari: Exploring Hybrid Humanity

Inspired by Hindu mythology, Sanskriti Maheshwari (Fashion Design course, Batch 2020-2024) created a collection titled “Human Morphosis and Beyond" that reimagines the ancient stories of hybrid beings that blend human and natural elements. 

The fashion designer's creation is a profound exploration of human adaptability, inspired by the mythological Matsya avatar—a hybrid form of fish—and Lord Vishnu. Her garment is a provocative rediscovery of bodily transformation, specifically how humans evolve in an underwater environment. “Through the silhouettes and contrasting materials, I wanted to evoke the idea of humans as part of an interconnected ecosystem, both predators and victims.” 

Padded shoulders and reinforced seams enhance the structure and drama of her designs, provoking the audience to question conventional perceptions of the human form."The gills are now a part of us, showcased through overemphasised, larger-than-life sleeves. The zip’s teeth become our new protection." Her design challenges conventional perceptions of the human form, using materiality to exaggerate and question bodily norms. Each stitch and fold speaks to a world where water defines our existence. Watch her journey here.

Naseeb Sihag: Nostalgia as an Artistic Medium

For Naseeb (Fashion Design course, Batch 2020-2024), his design is a deeply personal journey of reconnecting with childhood memories. His collection, named “Ghersa” (meaning “from home”), pays homage to the resilient and timeless elements that define his home. 

Inspired by his rural upbringing, his designs feature a curation of textures and imagery using woven ropes and clay pots and traditional motifs from village life, adding a modern twist to them. "The rope becomes symbolic of my strokes—strong, resilient, versatile, endless, and flimsy" he shares. Watch his journey here. 

The Emerging Landscape of Wearable Art

The fashion industry is experiencing an innovative revolution; it is expanding beyond its traditional restraints to become an effective form of artistic expression. 

The boundaries between art, design and fashion are increasingly blurring. In an era dominated by fast fashion, a new kind of creativity is emerging—wearable art. Creators are no longer constrained by traditional manufacturing processes or market demands. 

Instead, they view materials as potent storytelling tools, each thread and texture an opportunity to communicate deeper narratives about identity, culture, and human experience. As Naseeb states, “I wanted to keep my heritage at the heart of my work and to show that it is possible to bring the authenticity of rural India to an international platform.”

The contemporary fashion world is no longer limited to garments; it has grown into a dynamic canvas that challenges perceptions, defies conventions, and delivers strong narratives.

The Material of Imagination

Materials are no longer just fabrics—they are mediums of possibility. Designers are experimenting with everything from biodegradable textiles to smart fabrics that can change colour or temperature. The true innovation lies not in the material itself but in the vision, technique, and storytelling capabilities of the creator.

For these designers, material is merely a starting point. As Sanskriti eloquently states, "You need to know the rules to break them." From cotton to neoprene, the potential lies not in the fabric but in the technique and vision of the designer.

The IIAD Legacy

 IIAD continues to establish itself as a crucible of innovative design thinking. The institute commends Sanskriti and Naseeb's achievement on a global platform. Their success is not just personal but a beacon for aspiring designers who dare to see fashion as art. 

Their groundbreaking work was further recognized when Hindustan Times  featured an in-depth profile of these remarkable designers, highlighting their innovative approach and success at the World of Wearable Art competition.