Threads of Legacy: Interweaving the Past with the Present
B.Sc. in Fashion and Apparel Design
Threads of Legacy by Callista Pereira, the winner of The Conscious Craft Award (Thoughtful, wearable and ethical production), is a poignant ode to the heritage of the Kunbi tribe, adapted into a Spring/Summer casual wear collection that fuses sustainability, comfort, and culture. This collection is created for the modern woman, transcending mere looks—it’s a deliberate attempt at saving a dying story through the medium of fashion.
Rooted in the everyday life of the Kunbi people of Goa, Threads of Legacy draws inspiration from customary textiles, indigenous weaving processes, and natural environments. Handwoven mats and crude textures of rural life unfold into sensory textiles and thoughtful silhouettes. The iconic Kunbi sari—a long-standing emblem of identity and resilience—is reimagined here with new intention, employing modern materials and multi-seasonal cuts to speak to contemporary sensibilities.
The collection offers two dramatic fabric combinations:
- Blue Kunbi x Jute – earthy and powerful, the combination reflects the unrefined fortitude of age-old craftsmanship with unadorned, earthy sophistication.
- Red Kunbi x Cotton Hemp – bold but resilient, this eco-friendly mix celebrates the passion of Kunbi women and the tribe’s long-standing affinity with the earth.
Earthy, neutral colour shades prevail in the palette, recalling the natural beauty of the Goan countryside and rural life. Silhouettes are light, utilitarian, and contemporary—suited to warm weather comfort while retaining a sense of earthy style.
Threads of Legacy invites their wearers to “Take a pause and take on the past,” as with the world moving at such a fast pace now, there is a need to keep traditional crafts and stories alive. With every ensemble, Callista Pereira showcases people with great strength and creativity, so that the legacy of the Kunbi people is not just remembered but carried on—thread by thread.
Lanchana Nanda pulled off a sneaky genius: she made the old-school Malnad comfort totally blend with current-day design smarts. Nothing clashes. Nothing feels forced. You get this spot that makes you think “hmm, am I in a boutique retreat or someone’s ancestral home?”