Durga Shanthakumar is a bespoke hand embroider from London, specialising in haute couture, costume and interiors. Recently graduated from the Royal School of Needlework, she also has a foundation degree in fashion & textiles and a level 3 qualification in fashion design. The focal point of her work is the variety of colour and contemporary materials she uses. The vibrant, sparkly work Durga creates captures her personality and mostly celebrates different moments of her life. Her approach involves using materials and techniques that allow her to portray the chosen theme to enable the viewer to recognise, connect and experience the emotions related to the inspiration. What makes her work unique is how she uses colours in different ways, the way it flows and mingles together to create something abstract and new.
Experimental embroidery Creating metal 3D flowers with embellishment Producing hand-embroidered pieces for interiors Mending garments by hand sewing repairs Keeping the studio tidy
Awarded a full scholarship to attend the CHANEL & Prince's Foundation Métiers d'Art Embroidery Fellowship in Partnership with Le19M - a six month postgraduate level programme based between Le19M, Paris and CHANEL Métiers d'art Training Atelier, Highgrove. - Completed a Level 1 and 2 advanced 'History of Fashion' hand embroidery training with Ecole Lesage at Le19M in Paris. - Working within Maison Lemarié ateliers with Creative Director mentorship, learning their specialist flower making, pleating and plumery skills. - Recived mentoring from the Directors and Assistants at Maison Lemarié. - Enhancing hand embroider skills, precision, and creating a range of concepts. - Creating a haute couture embroidered piece inspired by Highgrove Gardens and flowers from Sri Lanka and India.
Hand embroiderer Researching how hand embroidery can be sustainable Creating embroidery samples Producing hand embroidered pieces for the LFW2023 collection Assisting my colleagues with hand sewing, general studio tasks, LFW backstage
Assisting on Jack Irving 2022 collection Quixotic by helping with garments and accessories construction, multitasking in a fast-paced environment, keeping the studio neat and clean, helping with errands, working in a team by giving ideas and helping backstage for the fashion show.
Creating bespoke handcrafted gifts for VIP clients and working in a fast-paced environment and with a team to meet required deadlines.
Finalist for the Hand & Lock Prize 2020