Does fashion make more sense at art festivals right now?

Finally, as part of the Multiplay exhibition curated by Thukral and Tagra, a series of interactive shows invited viewers to engage directly in the creative process. Shani Himanshu, founder of conscious fashion brand 11.11 and lifelong advocate of thoughtful design, presented Indigo Flower. In this immersive experience, participants wore denim socks, dipped their feet in fermented indigo paste, and walked across a large canvas, leaving behind unique organic patterns. Once dried, the resulting fabric would be transformed into a unique creation by the brand.

For Himanshu, each piece embodies a slow, meditative dance. “As a brand we work on making heirloom pieces, these experiences of interacting with our process rather than just the product bring the pieces to life,” he explains.

But Indigo Flower is much more than just a participatory work of art. It features their latest intellectual property, a revolutionary innovation in version 11.11: a printable natural indigo dye. For over 6,000 years, the cultivation, fermentation and dyeing of indigo has shaped textile practices, with most dyeing done in traditional vats. Attempts to use indigo as an ink have typically relied on chemical methods, but Himanshu says this is the first time a natural, printable indigo dye has been perfected.

As India’s emerging fashion industry matures, initiatives like these offer a new perspective. Perhaps it’s time to recognize it: it’s the design and the processes that represent true luxury, not the piece alone.

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