With trends in fashion sporting trendy dressing, home décor has also undergone a sea change and, people are as passionate about furnishings with an ethnic contemporary look, rather than the old world charm of checks, prints and stripes. Furnishing has moved to a young and adventurous look, and this you will find in the exhibition of home furnishings by Usha Subrahmanya under the label of ‘D’art’, at RainTree, this weekend.
A range of cushion covers, bolster covers, matching bed spreads, duvets, and throw cushions have a wild creative energy. Table linen has always played an important role, and Usha, who has been in designing for 25 years, has designed table linen with clear perception. Combinations of materials, fusion of fresh bold and earthly colours, with the rustic flavour of the Lambani tribal with their unique embroidery, the geometrical and paisley designs, embellished with round and square mirrorwork, extends charm with a touch of opulence, which will add elegance to your interiors.
“The products are reasonably priced and will spice up any space,” asserts Usha. Associated with Martland Singh, the Czar of Indian textiles, and Rakesh Thakore, as chief designer of export houses, she has created a range of collections for international markets.
Usha moved to Bangalore from Delhi in 1999, where she had conducted workshops in textile designing, ceramic and illustrations. “I’ve always been interested in tribal embroidery and on a visit to Bellary District, found the Lambanis were so talented but unable to eke out a livelihood with their craft.”
Usha decided to hold a 15-day training camp, and people from seven to seventy attended. “But, at the end of the camp, they asked me, ‘what next?’ That’s when I decided to give them a platform, bringing their art to the market,” says she.
Usha hopes to extend the products to star hotels  which use synthetic material. She designs, styles and does the base planning on eco-friendly material, then takes it to the Lambanis for embroidery. It’s time consuming—a design can take over a week to embroider, but the end product speaks for itself.
“Competition has never scared me,” says this committed lady. “Beauty lies in the individual’s signature products they create. Every one uses a needle and thread, it’s how you use it that makes the difference. I’m not interested in the rat race. I have set out to contribute to these neglected craftsman, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
This is Usha’s first exhibition in the City, and will have a planned collection from the core of Karnataka, showcasing the artisans’ commitment to tradition and Usha’s expertise in developing textures.
On exhibit at RainTree, Opp. Windsor Sheraton, June 8 and 9.