Dhvani Udachia

‘Butti' is designed in response to the rise of cultural appropriation and exploitation in the fashion industry. Jewellery and adornment have always been part of Dhvani Udachia’s life, and have become her way of connecting to her heritage, hence the title, ‘Butti’, the Gujarati word for earring.

This garment draws inspiration from the structure of jhumka earrings, a common accessory amongst South Asian women. The construction consists of eight identical panels hand-sewn onto a lined bodice and is embellished with silver beads. It is a testament to the endurance of Indian culture and craftsmanship, and is intended to raise questions about the integrity of the fashion industry.