Sheetol Chawla Weaves Myth and Motherhood in Black Lioness

My name is Sheetol Chawla, a New Zealand-based fashion designer and artist. From my atelier in New Zealand, I create one-of-a-kind, gallery-worthy pieces that use fashion as a medium.

Inspired by the divine femininity of Goddess Kali, my award-winning designs distil the essence of her boundless love, compassion, strength, and determination. Through my work, I aim to celebrate the beauty and complexity of the feminine spirit, while pushing the boundaries of fashion as an art form.

As previously discussed, our designs draw inspiration from the Hindu goddess Kali, who embodies the paradoxical roles of creator and destroyer of the universe. The entry Guardian, from the Black Lioness collection, exemplifies.

This piece skilfully juxtaposes the goddess's tender love and nurturing qualities—symbolised by her maternal care for her children—with her fierce and powerful spirit. The incorporation of devil faces and a serpentine-inspired silhouette stands as a testament to her unwavering strength and a celebration of feminine power.

My journey into creating one-of-a-kind art through fashion was driven by my lifelong passions for drawing and fashion. With a keen eye for detail, I always had a clear vision of what I wanted to wear, often finding inspiration in the world of art.

Growing up, I explored various creative outlets, including oil and acrylic painting. As I honed my skills, I began to merge my love of art and fashion, realising that the two disciplines were not mutually exclusive, but rather complementary.

This epiphany sparked a deep-seated passion within me, solidifying my belief that fashion is indeed an art form. With this conviction, I embarked on a journey to push the boundaries of fashion design, creating truly unique, gallery-worthy pieces that celebrate the intersection of art and fashion.

A typical day in my studio is a dynamic blend of creative and technical endeavours. My morning begins with conceptualising new designs through sketching, carefully selecting fabrics, and crafting patterns.

As the day unfolds, I shift focus to overseeing production, conducting fittings, and ensuring that each piece meets my meticulous standards. After a productive day, I dedicate time to finalising designs, preparing for upcoming tasks, and organising the studio to optimise workflow and support a seamless creative process.

Original, exceptional and one-of-a-kind!

I was delighted to submit my designs for consideration, as I believe this opportunity provides a prestigious platform for recognition, exposure, and networking. Through my participation, I hope to increase my visibility within the art world, particularly among esteemed galleries and museums.

With my special interest in theatrical performance, I would like to create an autonomous, sound-emitting wearable art piece—an interactive design that generates sound, music, or other auditory effects in response to movement, touch, or environmental changes. This innovative garment will take centre stage, delivering a captivating performance without any human assistance.

Prior to the advent of globalisation, the fashion landscape was characterised by a profound emphasis on artisanal craftsmanship. Until the 18th century, a single tailor would often serve an entire town, meticulously crafting bespoke garments that showcased exceptional skill and attention to detail.

These master artisans poured their heart and soul into every stitch, fold, and delicate embellishment, creating stunning, handcrafted pieces that reflected the wearer's social status and told stories of tradition, community, and heritage. The rise of globalisation has undoubtedly transformed the fashion industry, introducing mass production, fast fashion, and a diverse array of international styles. However, as the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, I firmly believe that the values of artisanal craftsmanship will experience a resurgence.

Balancing artistic freedom with commercial demands is a longstanding challenge in the fashion industry.

To preserve artistic freedom, I clearly establish my creative goals and aesthetic to guide decision-making. I also allocate time and resources for research, experimentation, and innovation, ensuring I remain true to my artistic vision.

To meet commercial demands, I implement efficient production processes, manage costs, and explore alternative revenue streams to maintain financial stability.

I have always been deeply inspired by the visionary work of Alexander McQueen, whose innovative designs seamlessly merged fashion, art, and performance. His ability to craft immersive, theatrical experiences that blurred the boundaries between runway shows and performance art has been a driving force behind my own creative ambitions.

As a fashion professional, I am eager to collaborate with like-minded designers who share my passion for pushing the boundaries of fashion as an art form. I am drawn to creatives who, like McQueen, are unafraid to challenge conventional norms and opt to blur the lines between fashion, art, and performance.

While fame, impact, and legacy are significant aspects of success, they do not solely define the value of wearable art. In fact, the true measure of success lies in the transformative power of wearable art to:

- Empower individuals through self-expression, confidence, and personal growth.

- Evoke emotions, spark imagination, and foster connections between the wearer, audience, and the art itself.

As we navigate the next decade, I envision fashion evolving in tandem with technological advancements, societal shifts, and environmental concerns. As a fashion professional, I see myself at the forefront of this evolution, leveraging my skills and expertise to drive positive change and innovation.

A visit to a theatre show proved to be an epiphanic moment, sparking a newfound fascination with the narratives and emotional resonance of performance art. This unexpected source of inspiration has profoundly influenced my design approach, encouraging me to explore the symbiotic relationship between art, performance, and fashion.

As I reflect on my journey as a designer, one piece of advice I would offer to my younger self or emerging designers is to cultivate a mindset of fearless curiosity and creativity.

If I could crystallise my life's work into a single message, it would be the importance of embracing authenticity and sustainability in every aspect of our lives. As a designer, l've had the privilege of exploring the intersections of art, fashion, and technology, and I've come to realise that true fulfilment and impact stem from staying true to oneself and one's values.