Material Culture is excited to present a new home for Colors by Padmini, a designer line of soft furnishings, clothing and accessories inspired by the rich hues and vibrant spirit of Indian textiles and the subcontinent itself. These items of fashion and home décor are all individually crafted by hand. Padmini sources handmade textiles and authentic raw materials, including vintage saris, traditional Indian silk, and antique bridal dresses of sequenced fabric, to create luminous fashion pieces and iridescent furnishings. Home decor products now available at Material Culture through Padmini include bedding sets, pillows, shams, bolsters, table runners, sheer window treatments, ottomans and poufs, while the fashion line includes maxi skirts and dresses, wrap skirts, belts, tops, tunics, jackets, scarves, shawls, jewelry and bags.
Colors by Padmini is the creation of Iris Shamir, who was given the name ‘Padmini Anand’ by her spiritual teacher in India. With a fine arts background and a degree in Interior Design from London University, Iris travelled to India, immediately finding there a rich source for inspiration. She travelled extensively, exploring textile traditions from northern Kashmir, across the Ladhak desert, to Varanasi, Goa and southern India, Pune, and Mumbai. Eventually, her route back north took her to Rajasthan province, where she discovered her artistic home in the holy village of Pushkar. Developing a relationship with local craftsmen, she learned from their traditions, drawing both inspiration and materials from their textiles, ribbons, beads, and precious stones. Her design is also influenced by the architecture, art, and jewels of India and the magnificence of its past maharajas. Fashion and home décor are infused with splendor and spirit in her unique, hand-crafted pieces. Colors by Padmini has an established retail store in the trendy Northern Liberties neighborhood, and the relationship with Material Culture represents an expansion for the design label.
