Future → Built Creatively
“Kottan Revival” is a project by Kaviya K S, M.Sc. Fashion Design & Management, at JD School of Design, Bengaluru. Inspired by the traditional Chettinad Kottan basket, the project explores the theme of cultural preservation, sustainability, and handcrafted innovation. It aims to reinterpret the intricate weaving traditions of Tamil Nadu into contemporary resort wear while responding to the growing demand for sustainable and thoughtfully crafted fashion.
The collection is designed for environmentally conscious consumers who value natural materials, ethical craftsmanship, and timeless design. Keeping their preference for sustainable lifestyles and refined aesthetics at the core of the design process, the collection offers resort wear that seamlessly blends heritage with modern elegance.The design approach focuses on sustainability, craftsmanship, and contemporary wearability. Through research into the woven structure, geometric patterns, and textures of the traditional Kottan basket, the project identified opportunities to translate basket-weaving aesthetics into textile surface design. Rather than replicating the craft directly, the collection recreates its distinctive woven appearance through hand embroidery using satin stitch, producing textured surfaces that echo the depth and rhythm of traditional basket weaving. Cotton jute fabric was selected for its natural texture, durability, and eco-friendly qualities, while scouring and softening treatments enhanced its comfort and drape for apparel.
Visually, the collection is defined by handcrafted embroidered panels, relaxed silhouettes, and a palette of warm ivory, sand, and soft white inspired by natural fibres and woven baskets. The final outcome is a contemporary resort wear collection for both menswear and womenswear that embodies effortless elegance and cultural authenticity.Through this project, the designer highlights the value of traditional crafts in sustainable fashion. Ultimately, “Kottan Revival” reflects the harmony between heritage and innovation, demonstrating how age-old craftsmanship can be transformed into modern, meaningful, and environmentally conscious design.
