Profile: Sanyukta Saraf – Only Natural Design Competitions

Sanyukta Saraf

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

I am Sanyukta Saraf, a designer driven by curiosity and a fascination for how materials, people, and stories come together through design. With a background in Product Design and currently pursuing a Master's in Lifestyle and Accessory Design at the National Institute of Design (NID), I approach design as a balance of research, experimentation, and craftsmanship. My journey has taken me from designing functional products and technology-driven solutions to exploring jewellery, materials, and emerging CMF directions. Along the way, I have worked on projects ranging from a radar-based device to a multifunctional cookware system for the Indian Army, experiences that strengthened my understanding of user-centred design and reinforced the importance of designing with empathy and context. At NID, my practice has evolved through hands-on material exploration, trend forecasting, biomaterial experimentation, and craft research. I enjoy uncovering the potential of materials and processes, translating insights into meaningful experiences that are both aesthetically engaging and purpose-driven. Whether studying traditional crafts, experimenting with new material combinations, or exploring sustainable alternatives, I am constantly looking for opportunities where innovation and thoughtful design can coexist. I believe good design is not defined by complexity but by clarity, relevance, and the emotions it evokes. My work is guided by observation, systems thinking, and an eagerness to learn through making. As a designer, I aspire to create products and experiences that are timeless, responsible, and deeply connected to the people who use them.

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Samputa - Heritage couture bag with Bell metal and leather craft of Kutchh India

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

Positioned at the intersection of craft, innovation, and haute couture, this accessory explores the relationship between structure and material through the fusion of Bell Metal and Torni leather craft from Kutch. The design is driven by the contrast between rigid metal and supple leather, transforming material tension into a sculptural form that is both expressive and functional. Inspired by the weld-free precision of traditional Bell Metal craft, the construction relies on interlocking and weaving techniques rather than conventional joining methods. Bell metal elements act as a structural framework, while handwoven leather panels are threaded through the metal ribs, creating a seamless dialogue between the two crafts. This approach allows the construction itself to become a defining visual feature of the piece. A rigid metal strap replaces conventional leather and chain straps, creating an anti-slouch silhouette that keeps the form elevated and visually commanding. The resulting accessory embodies strength, balance, and permanence while maintaining the tactile richness of handcrafted surfaces. Rooted in natural materials and hand-executed processes, the project highlights the precision, adaptability, and design potential of artisanal techniques. By translating craft into a couture context, the piece moves beyond ornamentation, using material contrast, structural innovation, and craftsmanship as the primary language of design.