< Back to all entries & Profiles
User Tanisha profile image

Tanisha Zaman

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF DESIGN

Hello! I am Tanisha Zaman, a designer guided by intuition and nature. I foster a deep curiosity for the intersection of art, culture, and design. With a background in Lifestyle Accessory Design, my practice explores the emotional and ecological dimensions of materials and objects. I'm particularly drawn to alternative materials and slow, sustainable processes that question mainstream lifestyle trends and patterns of consumption. My work is rooted in engagement with indigenous knowledge systems and craft-based communities, especially across Northeastern India, where I continue to research material culture and collaborate with tribal artisans. Through my own practice, I blend storytelling, design thinking, and cultural sensitivity, reimagining how objects can carry meaning and memory.

Website
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
Lightbox zoom button
← →
x

Harvest : A Banana Fibre Jewellery Collection

Category: Accessories

Competitions: Fashion Competition 2025

With 60% of the banana plant discarded post-harvest, this project transforms agro-waste into culturally rooted, sustainable jewellery through heritage-sensitive design. Engaging with the Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) of Nagaland, the initiative draws from indigenous knowledge systems and natural crafting practices to co-create ornaments as wearable narratives. Here, banana fibre is both material and metaphor — not traditionally used in adornment, but reimagined as a contemporary expression of the enduring relationship between people and their environment. The project advocates conscious production and consumption, celebrates man–nature interdependence, and promotes circular design by revitalising craft vocabularies and challenging extractive norms of luxury.

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.