© Anjali Sharma

By exploring the archives and traditional techniques of Atelier Vastrakala, I intended to question and redefine the role of ornamentation today to combine heritage with innovative materials. The objective was to create a new form of embroidery that integrates into our interiors, providing both functionality and beauty.

VSB (Victoire de Brantes) is a French multidisciplinary designer based between Paris and Provence. With studies and life experiences in India, Italy, and the Netherlands, she graduated from the Eindhoven Design Academy's Humanity and Wellbeing department in 2022. Driven by a passion for materials and colours, Victoire uses design to foster dialogue and empowerment within artisan communities, combining material research with poetic storytelling. During her residency at Villa Swagatam, she collaborated with Vastrakala artisans to create a unique installation of 16 embroidered stained glass panels, celebrating Maison Lesage’s centenary in 2024. This installation blends technical heritage with innovative compositions, using light and transparency to enhance the aesthetic of parchment, glass, and stone beads. Victoire’s work was also presented to President Emmanuel Macron during his visit to India in Jaipur, in January 2024. After that, it travelled to the South of France, in Toulon, where it was revealed to the French audience on the occasion of the Design Parade, a festival organized by Villa Noailles. The installation was supported by le 19M, a platform created by Chanel to encourage the creative use of crafts Her Chaise Pompeï, created with Vastrakala, will be featured in the exhibition Lesage: 100 Years of Fashion and Decoration at Galerie du 19M in Paris/Aubervilliers from September 26, 2024, to January 5, 2025.