Jeevan
As a popular symbol of public transportation facilitating movement of people locally and enabling community interaction in the 21st century, the auto rickshaws in India especially at cities like Delhi, Mumbai and Bangalore have become an inseparable aspect of public life. Beyond home furnishing and apparel, textile in the form of seat cushioning and upholstery play a crucial role in public transportation. While the greys and browns define the seating of buses and trains, rickshaws on the hand, enjoy experimentation in terms of aesthetic preference of the drivers.
Jeevan L Xavier through Aakaar collection draws inspiration from the vibrant spirit of Bengaluru’s auto rickshaws, celebrating local craftsmanship and the artistry of everyday life. Featuring hand- quilted upholstery, rhythmic patterns, and iridescent textiles made of rexine, their prototypes were first created in collaboration with Bengaluru's vehicle upholstery hubs. Trained artisans then brought these functional, visually striking pieces to life. Embracing a bold "camp" aesthetic, Aakaar brings eclectic designs into homes and entertainment spaces, promoting dialogue around local crafts.
Project Team:
- Creative Direction: Jeevan L Xavier
- Design Team: Trishla Rastogi, Archana Lakra, Raksha Nivedha
- Product Development: Parthasarathi
- Prototyping: Chandra Kumar (liner)
- Production: Rajdev (Tailor)
- Project Operations: Arul Jude
- Administrative Support: Mahentesh Halkarnimath
- Furniture Partner: Rahul Associates
- Marketing Communications: Yuki Gupta