The Hindu Business Line : Fashion reborn

TransForm is an idea that was initiated by Kochi-based designer Joe Ikareth, who was later joined by four others, to propagate the concept of enlarged design thinking.

Using surplus clothing, accessories or older collections (dead stock), the designers recycled them by adding elements of varied creativity to produce newer products. Terming this a collective creative process without boundaries, Ikareth says there are no set rules or limitations.

The creations, displayed at the store attached to the boutique restaurant Grasshopper in Bangalore, in fact went beyond fashion to encompass even lighting solutions. On the idea of working with other designers, Ikareth states, “It simply meant fun and being more explorable, and yes, the fact that we sometimes overproduce.”

Besides Ikareth, the TransForm team comprises Atul Johri, Kris, Savio Jon and Anshu/Jaison. Each of these designers has surplus produce that ends up lying idle, and TransForm offered a creative solution to this through ‘conceptual design’. The collection becomes reenergised with the introduction of new design thinking.

Ikareth, for instance, created a box-like installation with cut outs, where individuals can try on three different sets of clothing (arranged on the box) — a concept of art and design rolled into one.

Clothing was also recreated into bags, and even lighting. “We felt that when we put things together collectively, we share them collectively as well. It removes all egos, and enhanced creation is what really takes place. There is a flow of dialogue that takes place. It is transformation on all accounts,” says Ikareth.