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SIDDHARTH BHARTY

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

I am currently pursuing my Master’s in Apparel Design at the National Institute of Design (NID). I have a deep passion for exploring new ideas, experimenting with materials, and creating meaningful, original designs. My process is hands-on and driven by curiosity — I enjoy transforming everyday or overlooked materials into something with purpose and aesthetic value. For me, design is not just about appearance but also about innovation, storytelling, and conscious making.

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TerraSense (Experience Nature with Every Step)

Category: Footwear

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

TerraSense is a footwear concept inspired by the simple joy of walking barefoot in nature. Every natural surface soft grass, warm wood, loose sand, and smooth stones creates a different feeling under our feet. Today, most footwear separates us from these experiences by providing the same walking sensation on every surface. TerraSense is an attempt to bring back that connection through thoughtful design and sustainable materials. The slipper features interchangeable footbeds inspired by four natural terrains: grass, wood, sand, and stone. Each footbed is handcrafted using coconut derived materials to create a unique tactile experience. The grass-inspired texture offers a soft and comfortable feel, the wood inspired surface provides stability, the sand-inspired footbed adds gentle cushioning, and the stone-inspired texture creates subtle sensory stimulation. Together, these textures encourage users to experience different sensations with every step. The project is handcrafted using coconut coir, coconut coir rope, coconut shell, natural buffalo leather, cotton thread, cotton lace, and cotton Markin fabric. An auxetic-inspired leather upper improves flexibility, allowing the slipper to move naturally with the foot while maintaining comfort and support. The modular design also allows users to easily change the footbeds, extending the product's usability and encouraging repair rather than replacement. Sustainability is at the heart of TerraSense. Coconut coir and coconut shell, often treated as agricultural waste, are transformed into functional materials through traditional handcraft techniques. By combining renewable materials with modular construction, the project explores a simple and practical approach to sustainable footwear design. More than just a slipper, TerraSense is an invitation to reconnect with nature through everyday walking. It celebrates natural materials, craftsmanship, and the small but meaningful experience of feeling different terrains beneath your feet one step at a time.

Healstep

Category: Footwear

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

This project explores how natural materials can be used in footwear design. The goal was to create a handmade slipper using eco-friendly, locally available, and biodegradable materials. A key aim was to avoid using synthetic (artificial) materials and instead rely only on natural resources during the process. The primary materials used in this slipper are coconut coir, coconut shell, and jute thread for stitching. Coconut coir and shell are by products of the coconut industry, although they are already used in many valuable items like mats, ropes, and crafts. This project explores their use in making footwear. It shows how these natural materials can be used in new and meaningful ways. The slipper is thoughtfully designed to provide relaxation and comfort for home use. Small coir balls are attached to stimulate pressure points on the feet, offering gentle massage and relaxation to the feet (inspired by acupressure concepts), a thick coir cushion enhances comfort, while an adjustable pull mechanism allows the slipper to fit different foot widths. The use of coir makes the slipper significantly lighter, enhancing its wearability. It is more than just a product — it is a simple, thoughtful creation that connects nature, tradition, and well-being, while promoting a sustainable lifestyle.

Working with our partners at Arts Thread to develop lifelong learning and career opportunities for students of fashion and design. Our partnership provides the opportunity to compete on a world stage, participate in industry led workshops, set up an outstanding portfolio and gain access to the resources that will kickstart careers in fashion and design.