The story of Nangeli is a Travencore tale that brought casteism on its knees. Nangeli was a courageous rebel from the southern Indian state of Kerala who protested against the inhumane breast tax imposed on lower-caste women by the ruling upper-caste community in the 19th century.A shero that she was, Nangeli cut off her breasts and served the tax collectors on a leaf, as a symbol of the society's inhuman bigotry to mark her protest and died due to excessive bleeding. Her act of defiance sparked outrage and led to the eventual abolition of the breast tax in 1924. Nangeli's story has since become a symbol of resistance against social oppression and discrimination, inspiring women and marginalized communities to fight for their rights and dignity.It has also become a metaphor of resistance against oppressive dress codes and a testament to the enduring struggle for women's rights and freedom.
The rebellious feat of Nangeli set my designer soul free. It aided in exploring the virtue of humanity in design and not just adding a touch of feminity in masculinity or vice versa. Just like the saying goes:
"Clothes do not have gender."
The Inspiration
The Nangeli tale invoked the focus more on the identity in itself, rather than identifying as male or female.
"It's the power of choosing that could define us as gender, but only if we decide to be defined.Gender doesn't dominate us."
-Lou Stoppard for SHOWstudio
Mood board
Illustrations
Tech packs
Linen is the base material throughout this collection, as linen is the world's strongest natural fiber that has been utilized majorly over 200 years ago across the world.Moreover, it is a natural and organic fiber that is employed majorly in both men's and women's clothing, thus being the neutral choice for the central theme.Stripes and closely woven checked linen are majorly used here.Pattern play is also seen, depicting fluidity in creativity.All the designs also have the characteristics of femininity and masculinity combined in the form of silhouettes such as draping and value additions such as embroidery and accessories.
Photography notes vocabulary references- Kalki by K and Bodice
Photoshoot
Music : Mark Mothersbaugh
Photography : The original copies : Shruthi Balu and Swathi Laksmi
Models : Shruthi Balu, Swathi Laksmi, Sindu Deivanayagam, Sree Nandhini
