The bold, minimal geometry on this cushion gives it a sense of glamour that feels fresh and modern. Hand-embroidered by women in north India, the beautiful shimmer that they throw off make them a focal point wherever they‘re used. Use in pairs against pale neutrals for a crisp, refined look perfect for summer or against deeper earth tones for a dramatic finish.
50.8 x 50.8 cm 100% wool embroidery and 100% rayon embroidery on a cotton base, with 100% cotton canvas backing Dry clean only Insert not included
We spoke with Leah Singh, the creative genius behind her eponymous label, about what inspired her to start her own label, where her inspiration comes from and what drives her.
Your work is an amazing juxstaposition of texture, technique, colour and pattern. Could you give us an insight into how you got started? It all started with Kantha, a craft native to West Bengal. A Kantha is a throw made by layering old sarees and then sewing them together with straight running stitches that sometimes incorporate geometric patterns as well. I was introduced to Kantha at a lunch party and I was mesmerized by the colors, patterns, and the embroidery. I wanted to transform this traditional craft into a modern object using colors and patterns that would fit in a contemporary home.
My first Leah Singh collection was Kantha pillows, where I used the traditional embroidery patterns on different fabrics and in a wide range of colors. Kantha lead me to explore other textiles of India to find more possibilities, and soon I was working with women weavers from North East India, weavers from Rajasthan, block printers from Rajasthan, and embroidery artisans from two regions in North India. Each weaving, printing and embroidery technique is unique and native to its region. I take each of these traditional crafts and combine them with contemporary colors and patterns, creating a collection that seamlessly blends old with new.
My color selection process is very fluid - I am either inspired by a grouping of colors which I see somewhere (on a truck, in a fabric store...) or I put together colors by playing around with various combinations. I try and stay aware of my surroundings - you never know where inspiration can come from!
What drives your design aesthetic? How do the traditional artisans you work with react to your ideas? I’m inspired by geometry, simplicity and color. The artisans I work with have been very open to working on and experimenting with the patterns and colors I send to them, even though at times certain designs are challenging or it is difficult to dye certain colors.
Thank you for your time Leah - we wish you much success ahead!
Each Chandan-Whittle piece is an ode to India and its heritage, a celebration of the colour and chaos intrinsic to life there. For founder and designer Kam Chandan-Whittle, this is a chance to honour her family’s Indian roots whilst celebrating local artisans and their handicraft skills. This striking cushion cover made from the softest organic cotton embodies joy and radiance with its vivid yellow tone and delicate feathery pattern. It is hand screen printedby a womens’ co-operative in Karur, South India, that ensures fair wages and economic independence for its workers. Inspired by the lively energy of India and its imperfect beauty, it is finished with beautiful handmade ties.
50 x 50 cm 100% organic cotton Hand screen printed Machine wash cold, with a gentle detergent Insert not included
Each Chandan-Whittle piece is an ode to India and its heritage, a celebration of the colour and chaos intrinsic to life there. For founder and designer Kam Chandan-Whittle, this is a chance to honour her family’s Indian roots whilst celebrating local artisans and their handicraft skills. This striking cushion cover is made from the softest organic cotton, and was inspired by the chaos and imperfect beauty of everyday life in India. It features a delicate feathery pattern in teal, yellow and white and is hand screen printedby a womens’ co-operative in Karur, South India, that ensures fair wages and economic independence for its workers. It is finished with beautiful handmade ties.
50 x 50 cm 100% organic cotton Hand screen printed Machine wash cold, with a gentle detergent Insert not included
Each Chandan-Whittle piece is an ode to India and its heritage, a celebration of the colour and chaos intrinsic to life there. For founder and designer Kam Chandan-Whittle, this is a chance to honour her family’s Indian roots whilst celebrating local artisans and their handicraft skills. This striking cushion cover made from the softest organic cotton is reminiscent of the joyfulness of Indian summer days. The fabric is handwoven by a womens’ co-operative in Karur, South India, that ensures fair wages and economic independence for its workers.
This piece has two vibrant sides: pink with a subtle geometric pattern in yellow and vivid mustard yellow, and is finished with beautiful handmade ties.
50 x 50 cm 100% organic cotton Handwoven bobby weave Machine wash cold, with a gentle detergent Insert not included
Each Chandan-Whittle piece is an ode to India and its heritage, a celebration of the colour and chaos intrinsic to life there. For founder and designer Kam Chandan-Whittle, this is a chance to honour her family’s Indian roots whilst celebrating local artisans and their handicraft skills. This striking cushion cover made from the softest organic cotton embodies the joy and tropical lushness of Indian summers. It is hand screen printedby a womens’ co-operative in Karur, South India, that ensures fair wages and economic independence for its workers. It is finished with beautiful handmade ties.
50 x 50 cm 100% organic cotton Hand screen printed Machine wash cold, with a gentle detergent Insert not included
