Swati Sharma’s secret to success: Contemporary twist on crafts

It was not a part of the plan for designer Swati Sharma, to start her own design house. The designer stumbled upon her own label while looking for job opportunities in Mumbai. For Swati, it was a period of confusion as she struggled to find a job that suited her craft. Sharma, a post-graduate from Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, had pursued a number of crafts, but eventually gravitated towards hand block printing.

The designer, who launched her own design house Brahma Karma, which specialises in contemporary hand block-printed apparel and home décor, spoke to Business Line on her journey, the challenges of setting up her own label, and her creative process. Recently in Hyderabad for Kausalyam 2026, an event organised by Crafts Council of Telangana, Sharma opened up about her association with hand block printing, and how she eventually built a brand around it.

While in Mumbai, Sharma worked out of Jaipur, which is known to be the epicentre of India’s hand block printing heritage. She began her venture with just 10 designs, with an aim to popularise a contemporary version of the craft. Sharma recalled that the initial years were difficult, as she struggled to balance her professional and personal life.

“There is a lot of unpredictability in this line of work. As a handicraft designer, you can never plan, you have to improvise. The weather, the artisans, everything can change. But I have learned to deal with disappointments and move on,” said Sharma, adding that it took her years to evolve as a designer.

Speaking about her creative process, the designer said that nature has inspired her the most. Flowers, birds, the sky and the earth have helped her understand colour and patterns. “I have always been fascinated by the way nature puts together contrasting colours. I try to recreate that magic with my designs. However, I do not get inspired by seasonal colour palettes, instead I like to create pieces that evoke emotions,” she said.

Geometry, both in nature and man-made structures also plays an important role in her designs. But for the designer, it is important to first understand the fabric before working on patterns and colour. “When working on sarees, I connect with the weavers to understand the fabric. Every region has its own weaving patterns and motifs. I study the texture and drape of the fabric, and then create colour palettes that bring out the best in it. I then create prints that complement the fabric,” she said.

Sharma’s aim is to create pieces that are enduring and contemporary, which could find a place in one’s wardrobe for years to come. Through her design house Brahma Karma, she continues to experiment with traditional crafts, to create modern apparel and home décor that is both unique and special.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Askari Jaffer

Askari Jaffer[email protected]

Askari Jaffer, Features Editor, with a longstanding interest in writing a range of stories, has earned herself a place in the field of journalism. With strong values and courage acquired from her father, who served in the Indian Defence, she reflects in her writings. A strong desire to learn about the legal system, she has focused her writing on women's challenges. She writes about the women who became successful in various fields to inspire others. She takes an interest in education, health, lifestyle, fashion and entertainment too.

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