An Ode to Kerala: Designing with Swara Voices of Women

This week with Swara: Voices of Women was one of the most empowering and creative experiences of my time in Kerala. We were given the opportunity to design a clothing collection from start to finish, working closely with the tailoring unit and guided by Asha Scaria Vettoor, Swara’s inspiring founder. The collection we created is called An Ode to Kerala, a celebration of the place, people, and traditions that shaped this journey.

What made the process so special was the freedom to be involved in every step. We began by sketching ideas and imagining what the garments could represent. From there, we explored fabrics that reflected Kerala’s vibrancy, textures and colours chosen not only for beauty but also for comfort and wearability, utilising Swara's iconic indigo fabric. At the tailoring unit, we learned how to translate designs into reality: cutting patterns, measuring to fit real bodies, and even sitting at the sewing machines ourselves alongside the tailors. Each step reminded us how much skill, patience, and care goes into every garment.

The experience was about more than just clothes. It was about collaboration, respect, and empowerment, working hand in hand with the women of Swara to bring ideas to life. A highlight was photographing the finished collection on the beach, capturing the garments in the natural light of Kerala’s coastline. It felt like a celebration not just of the designs, but of the collective effort behind them, and of Kerala's natural beauty that we have experienced on this trip.

We also gained an insight into the business side of fashion, learning how a collection moves from creation to customer. Through Shopify, we explored the logistics of launching the products online, how a story, a design, and a photograph become part of a global marketplace.

None of this would have been possible without the incredible guidance and encouragement we received. A heartfelt thank you to Omana Chechi and Asha for trusting us with creative freedom and for helping us transform sketches into something real. An Ode to Kerala is more than a clothing line, it is a symbol of women’s voices, skills, and strength woven together.