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Upasana Divakar
Senior Textile Designer at Varana
Professional Background
Upasana Divakar is an accomplished textile designer with over six years of rich and diverse experience in both the home furnishing and fashion industries. Presently, she serves as a Senior Textile Designer at Varana, where she leverages her comprehensive knowledge and understanding of various textile techniques to create exquisite pieces that resonate with contemporary aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship.
Before her current role, Upasana honed her skills at Himatsingka Seide Limited, where she worked as a Designer, focusing on high-quality fabrics that marry functionality and beauty. Her journey in the creative realms of textile design began at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad, where she served as a Textile Researcher and Associate Designer, contributing innovative ideas and research that propelled numerous projects forward. At Studio Akaaro, she applied her artistic vision to develop unique fabric designs, enhancing her portfolio with valuable experiences.
Additionally, Upasana started her career with an internship at Arvind Ltd, known for its significant influence on the textile industry in India. This opportunity provided her with critical insights into textile production processes and a foundational understanding of market dynamics that shaped her approach to design.
Education and Achievements
Upasana Divakar's educational background is as impressive as her professional trajectory. She holds a Graduate Diploma in Design, specializing in Textile Design from the prestigious National Institute of Design, which is renowned for fostering design excellence in India. Her academic foundation was further solidified with a Master of Arts (M.A.) in Woven Textiles from the Royal College of Art in London—a global leader in art and design education. This advanced study has equipped her with the skills necessary to innovate in the textile design field.
Additionally, Upasana has studied the French language and literature, completing the Diplome d'etudes en langue francaise (DELF) at the Alliance Francaise d'Ahmedabad. This proficiency in French not only enhances her communication skills but also broadens her cultural perspective, allowing her to appreciate global textile traditions more comprehensively and engage with international stakeholders effectively.
Achievements
Throughout her career, Upasana has demonstrated a remarkable ability to blend traditional techniques with modern design sensibilities, making her a sought-after designer in the textile sector. Her work has received acclaim for its luxurious textures and intricate patterns, reflecting her expertise in both industrial and artisanal textile production methods. By mastering the industrial-jacquard and machine-embroidery techniques while also employing handloom and dobby-loom methods, Upasana has showcased her versatility and deep understanding of various textile applications.
As a passionate advocate for sustainable practices, Upasana emphasizes the importance of eco-friendly materials and ethical production processes in her designs. She is committed to highlighting the artistry and craftsmanship of textiles, contributing positively to both the home furnishing and fashion sectors.
Tags
textile designer
textile industry
home furnishing
fashion industry
artisanal textiles
industrial fabrics
machine embroidery
handloom textiles
dobby-loom
jacquard techniques
National Institute of Design
Royal College of Art
sustainable textiles
design innovation
