Future → Built Creatively
“Tides and Ties” is a project by Laksitha S, M.Sc. Fashion Design & Management at JD School of Design, Bengaluru. The collection reimagines the traditional Madurai Sungudi craft through the lens of contemporary children’s resort wear, creating a harmonious blend of heritage, comfort, and playful modern design. Inspired by the rhythmic circular motifs of Sungudi textiles and the flowing movement of ocean tides, the collection transforms an age-old craft into functional garments designed for today’s young generation.
The concept explores the connection between traditional textile artistry and the carefree spirit of childhood. The iconic dot patterns of Madurai Sungudi are reinterpreted into fresh, vibrant compositions, moving beyond conventional applications to create cheerful and contemporary silhouettes. Tiered dresses, breezy co-ord sets, and relaxed resort wear pieces are designed to provide freedom of movement while reflecting the joy and energy of beachside experiences.The collection focuses on preserving artisan craftsmanship while adapting it to modern lifestyles. Seersucker fabric is selected for its lightweight, puckered texture, breathability, and easy maintenance, making it ideal for active children’s wear. The fabric enhances comfort while adding a tactile quality to the garments. The colour palette features bright and playful shades of yellow, blue, olive green, red, and orange, inspired by coastal landscapes, sunshine, and the vibrancy of childhood.
One of the key challenges in developing the collection was adapting the labour-intensive Madurai Sungudi technique for contemporary production while maintaining the authenticity of the craft. Achieving consistent dye absorption on textured seersucker fabric and ensuring precise alignment of traditional dot motifs across garment panels required extensive experimentation and attention to detail.Through “Tides and Ties,” the designer celebrates the evolution of traditional craftsmanship by presenting Madurai Sungudi in a fresh and youthful context. The collection highlights the importance of slow fashion, artisan skills, and sustainable design while proving that heritage techniques can continue to inspire joyful, functional, and contemporary fashion for future generations.