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PRAGATI SHARMA

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

Dream ✔ Believe ✔ Achieve ✔ I am a design student who sees materials not merely as resources, but as living stories shaped by time, climate, and human hands. Every natural material carries its own journey — marks of weather, touch, and use. To me, these imperfections are not flaws. They are signs of honesty, age, and life, making each material unique and deeply meaningful. Natural materials teach me patience. They do not always behave the way we expect, and that is what makes working with them special. I believe sustainability is not a passing trend or a design choice, but a responsibility we hold as designers towards our environment, our communities, and the future. Designing with care means respecting what nature offers and using it mindfully. My practice is rooted in hands-on exploration. By working directly with materials, I begin to understand their strength, limitations, and true potential. Touching, shaping, testing, and sometimes breaking materials helps me build a deeper connection with them beyond theory or visuals. My learning journey is guided by making, failing, and observing. Every material teaches me something new — not just about its properties, but about adaptability, sensitivity, and respect for process. Failure becomes a step forward, and observation becomes my strongest tool. With my growing knowledge and skills, I aim to create meaningful and responsible designs that value circularity, celebrate material integrity, and encourage a deeper connection between people and the natural world.

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HELD TOGETHER

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2026

At first glance, the stole appears calm. Long. Narrow. Almost gentle. But the moment it meets the body, the truth reveals itself. The felt is rough—resistant—refusing to behave the way softness is expected to. This contradiction mirrors the reality of womanhood: what the world assumes to be gentle is often shaped by friction, endurance, and quiet strength. The colour begins in off-white, representing the softness imposed on women—purity, silence, and expectations of calm. As the eye travels along the length of the stole, the off white colour deepens into brown and black. These darker tones carry the weight of reality, conflict, and survival. They are marks of experience. The transition reflects the journey from being perceived as soft to becoming resilient. The stole is constructed from panels that do not blend seamlessly. The cross-stitch embroidery used becomes the most aggressive element of the piece. What appears decorative is, in fact, an act of resistance. Each stitch requires tension—pulling, tightening, holding opposing realities together. It speaks to how women constantly negotiate between expectation and truth, softness and strength, care and combat. The repetition of the stitch on both sides suggests balance—but not peace. It is the balance of survival. The blanket-stitched edges remain rough, unfinished, and unapologetic. This woman is not polished for comfort or softened for approval. Her strength shows at the edges, where wear happens first. The stole becomes a symbol of the female warrior—not loud, not armoured, but enduring.

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ENTWIN

Category: Interior

Competitions: Home Competition 2026

ENTWIN is a handcrafted hanging lamp made from terracotta and suspended with natural Jute rope. It features hand-painted motifs and a carefully perforated surface that allows light and shadow to interact softly with the surrounding space. More than a functional lighting object, ENTWIN is a sculptural expression of the relationship between humans and nature, rooted in material honesty and mindful design. Terracotta is chosen for its natural origin, durability, and ability to age gracefully. Its earthy texture and warm tones create a sense of calm and restoration, helping to build spaces that feel grounded and emotionally comforting. Research has shown that this natural textures and colors can reduce stress and positively influence mood, making ENTWIN not just visually pleasing but emotionally nurturing product. Unlike mass-produced products, this lamp invites care and attachment, encouraging long-term use rather than disposal. This approach supports sustainability by reducing the urge to replace and discard. ENTWIN is suspended using natural rope such as coir or jute, selected for its strength, flexibility, and 100% biodegradability. The rope allows the lamp to be easily moved and adapted to different spaces, from indoor bedrooms and living areas to semi-open balconies and verandahs. During the day, ENTWIN functions as a sculptural decor object. When needed, it transforms into an ambient lamp that can hold fairy lights, candles, or diyas. Made entirely from natural, low-impact materials, ENTWIN aligns with circular and cradle-to-cradle principles. At the end of its life cycle, its materials can safely return to the earth. ENTWIN celebrates durability, beauty, and versatility—proving that natural materials can create meaningful, responsible, and lasting design.

In association with Arts Thread

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.