Mirror Work Meets Modern Wear(Final Report Part 1) – What?

The What: Blending Culture, Craft, and Creativity:

For my final project, I wanted to take on something that felt both creative and personal—sewing, design, and learning an entirely new skill from scratch. And what better muse than Rajasthani mirror work? It’s a craft I’ve admired for years and one I grew up wearing during celebrations back in India. This project was my way of revisiting that heritage—but with a twist.

Inspirations and References:

The concept draws inspiration from traditional Sheesha (mirror) embroidery, a centuries-old technique popular in Rajasthan and Gujarat. According to Vogue India, the technique originated in Persia and made its way to India via the Mughals. Back then, mirror work was not just decorative—it was symbolic, believed to ward off the evil eye.
Source: https://www.vogue.in/fashion/content/mirror-work-indian-embroidery-guide-history-designers

Modern designers have brought this aesthetic into the spotlight with innovative silhouettes and fabric pairings, proving that heritage fashion can be both timeless and contemporary.

Project Vision: A Modern Take:

My goal was to reinterpret mirror embroidery into something wearable for everyday life in the U.S.—not just for weddings or festivals. I envisioned something that could:
– Reflect traditional craftsmanship
– Feel wearable and modern
– Be handmade by me
– Blend soft and structured textures

Function and Form:

Specifications:
– A two-piece outfit with a velvet top and a thick satin skirt
– Use of acrylic chamki mirrors for easier stitching
– Fit meant for casual and semi-formal occasions
– Focus on clean lines and light embellishment

Aesthetic Direction:
– Bold yet minimal
– Mix of fluid and structured fabrics
– Color choices that stand out while staying subtle for daily wear

Sketches and Design Process;

I began with multiple outfit sketches, experimenting with different mirror placements and silhouettes. I was deciding between a full-length dress and a co-ord set. After speaking to my mom (who is a fashion designer), I opted for the top-and-skirt combo—it was a more manageable choice for someone sewing their first complete outfit.

Initial Sketches:
– Sketch 1: A-line dress with mirror clusters
– Sketch 2: Mirror blouse with a high-waisted skirt
– Sketch 3: Sleeveless velvet top and satin skirt with mirror detailing

Artistic Choices in Materials

Top: Velvet fabric for a plush, traditional feel
Skirt: Thick satin for a structured, shiny look
Chamki: Lightweight acrylic mirrors stitched in by hand
Real mirrors: Glued on (instead of stitched) due to difficulty and time constraints

All materials were sent from India by my mom as part of a regular parcel. I borrowed a sewing machine and dress form from my aunt in Denver, who also helped me through the weekends.

Stay tuned for Part 2—where I show you how it all came together.