New Delhi, September 2024 – Payal Jain, one of the leading designers in Delhi, showcases her iconic exhibition – ‘Soul of a Woman’ at the Innovation Gallery, Textile Gallery II, National Craft Museum, and Hastkala Academy. The specially curated walk-through was conducted by Ina Puri and Payal Jain and the exhibit will remain open till November 1, 2024.
The Textile and Innovation Gallery have been curated by Sunil Sethi, President, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in association with the National Crafts Museum.
Soul of a Woman celebrates Bharat’s rich textile traditions and the incredible community of artisans and weavers by intertwining Payal Jain’s fervent commitment to sustainability. In this collection, she explores the profound connection between textile and art, portraying the many facets of a woman—her emotions, joys, sorrows, love, loss, successes and failures. The artworks aim to create a personal dialogue with the viewer, reflecting the essence of a woman’s soul.
With each textile piece, Payal breathes new life into discarded fabric scraps and reinterprets traditional crafts such as Bandhej, Kantha, and Crochet with an eco-conscious twist. Collaborations with skilled weavers from Varanasi, Kutch, Maheshwar, and Kanchipuram have enabled Payal to explore the amalgamation of natural textiles with unorthodox mediums, continually pushing the boundaries of textile art.
The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into how fashion can blend artistry with advocacy, prompting artists to rethink the relationship with art, textiles, and the environment. Sustainability stands as a cornerstone of Payal’s artistic vision, highlighting the finite nature of life and the importance of conserving our planet’s resources.
Sharing thoughts about ‘Soul of a Woman’ exhibition by Payal Jain said, “Soul of a Woman” reflects my three-decade journey and commitment to sustainability, where natural textiles meet unconventional materials like wood, metal, paper, shells, and buttons. Art has always been my muse, and for me, art, sustainability, and fashion are intertwined. I view myself as an artist dedicated to exploring the individuality of each person through their own sartorial expression. In crafting an art piece, my focus is on understanding the wearer—connecting with their heart, mind, and soul— and creating something unique that resonates with their essence and enhances their distinct personality.”
Known for her dedication to environmentally friendly design, Payal Jain weaves sustainability into every aspect of her work. Her collaborations with artisans not only celebrate craftsmanship but also promote sustainable practices, inspiring the next generation of designers to value both artistry and environmental stewardship.
Born into a family deeply engaged in the arts, Payal’s passion for creativity was nurtured from an early age. Her transition from architecture to fashion was driven by her love for sketching, and her father inspired her commitment to sustainability.