Creative Design: Graduate

Hands That Speak – A Tale of Silent Stories

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Abstract

Hands That Speak is a wearable tribute to the silent narratives of Indian artisans. Drawing from the textured surfaces of working hands scarred, stained, and worn through years of labor, the garment transforms physical imprints into textile storytelling. A sculpted halter top, created through digitally mapped layer cutting of cotton twill and hand-stitched with cords, mimics the grooves of artisanal fingerprints. The skirt, crafted from hand-dyed silk organza, features pigment-stained hands in hues of turmeric, madder, and indigo. Hindi script digitally embroidered across translucent layers gives voice to native expressions, turning language into a visual, wearable form. Through digital fabrication, tactile layering, and linguistic embroidery, this design pays homage to the resilience, identity, and lived experiences of artisans. It is not merely clothing; it is a cultural document that speaks through form and fabric, paying homage to hands that shape heritage, yet often go unseen.

Keywords: Embroidery, Lazer Cutting, Surface Texture, Cultural Narrative

How to Cite:

Vallabhajosyula, M. & Bernardoni, J. M., (2025) “Hands That Speak – A Tale of Silent Stories”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 82(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.31274/itaa.21568