People
Ayesha And Manisha Desai Renew Your Memories With Cornucopia
Ayesha and Manisha Desai’s venture Cornucopia Concepts recycles and gives new life to your old clothes
Text credit: Charishma Thankappan
Discarding your old, well loved, and well-worn clothes is an emotional matter. The sweater your grandmother knit for you as a child, the jacket your father bought for you when you were going for your first trip to the mountains with your friends, the skirt your mom loving sewed for you, or that ethereal lehenga that you got stitched for your sister’s wedding a few years ago and don’t fit into any more. They are not just pieces of clothes, but are a repository of your memories and an unspoiled storehouse of nostalgia.
But if you feel compelled to cast them away, having lost their purpose, you may now think again. For, the sister duo of Ayesha and Manisha Desai will help convert your beloved apparel into useful, re-purposed ware.
Founders of Cornucopia Concepts Pvt. Ltd., Ayesha and Manisha reuse, recycle, and work towards a sustainable way of life by transforming old clothes and fabrics into quilts and bedcovers. Their aim is to provide sustainable alternatives to everyday utility items through working on the principles of fair trade, sustainability and environmentally safe alternatives to plastic. Manisha looks at the designing and implementation aspect while Ayesha looks at the marketing and public relations.
In an exclusive interview with FWD Life, the enterprising sisters talk about their venture.
Why did you choose to make quilts and blankets?
We had a bunch of ‘never to be thrown’ keepsake clothes that were taking up too much cupboard space. We couldn’t bear to part with them. That’s when we realised that we can convert them into a godhadi (a patchwork quilt) – just like our grandmother did! We got to keep our clothes and were left with a really cool blanket! Interest from family and friends spurred us to make similar bedcovers and quilts for them and before we knew it we were making it commercially.
Who are your target consumers?
Anyone with a cupboard full of old clothes! We’ve has a variety of customers, a lot of parents who want to make memory quilts from their children’s clothes. Some grandparents who want to gift a memory quilt too. And then we have people who have lost their dear ones and want to preserve their memories in the form of a quilt or bedcover.
What are the challenges you face in your enterprise?
We work with people’s precious memories. Clothes that have been preserved for years, that have so much meaning and nostalgic significance. We cannot afford to make a mistake. Each piece that we create needs to be flawless. This can at times be stressful.
Do you have an in-house design team or do you work with designers from outside?
We design all our products in-house. In the future, we will be more than happy to collaborate with innovators to increase our bouquet of products.
How do you promote your initiative?
Mainly through our Facebook page and Instagram account.
Will you be expanding to more products other than quilts and blankets?
Yes, definitely. We are already making bags and rugs. But we would love to explore other media like glass and plastic – recycling and upcycling them to make utility products.
What are your inspirations?
Our grandfather. He was part of the real zero waste generation. A generation that used and reused and recycled and re-purposed long before they became cool hash tags. Ajoba, as we called him was the epitome of re-purposing and reusing. Newspapers with ads that contained blank spaces were saved to scribble his limericks on, ice cream cups were saved to be used as planters, left over marble squares from the kitchen construction were made into paper weights…. the list is endless. We grew up within this structure of using an item till its absolute last breath. And it is this very culture that we want to promote through Cornucopia. We want to encourage people to relook at their possessions in a new light. We want them to stop and think before they purchase anything new. Ask themselves if there was anything within the home that can be reused or re-purposed. Our quilts are just the beginning – to spur a conversation around re-purposing.
According to you, what are the main challenges of waste management in India, as the final waste collected from homes goes into landfills or is burnt in rural areas. What is the solution to this? Where is the government lacking?
Unchecked consumerism. Today, we don’t think twice before purchasing a product, whether it’s clothing, appliances, food, you name it. The use and throw culture is becoming rampant. Very few people opt to ‘repair’ or reuse’ or simply ‘refuse’. Having said that, the entire onus cannot be on the consumer. We need to have stringent policies on manufacturers with regards to their packaging. Each manufacturer needs to be responsible for the entire lifecycle of their product. The onus should not be only on the consumer. The government needs to put into place strong regulations on sustainable packaging.
Spotlight
Motherhood in Vogue :Deepika Padukone’s Stunning Maternity Photoshoot
Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh are eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first child, due later this month. In anticipation of this joyous milestone, the couple recently shared a series of heartwarming photos from their pregnancy photoshoot. The pictures beautifully capture mom-to-be Deepika flaunting her baby bump, while others showcase the couple sharing joyful moments, their smiles wide and laughter contagious.
In the photos, Deepika stuns in various outfits. She rocks mom jeans paired with a lacy bra and cardigan in the first few shots, exuding casual elegance. In another set, she channels her inner boss lady in a sleek black pantsuit. A third look features Deepika in a see-through maxi dress, where she is captured twirling and lost in thought. For her final look, she dons a black, see-through bodycon dress, posing alongside her husband Ranveer in a series of intimate and stylish shots. The couple captioned their post with a few simple emojis, but that was enough to ignite a flurry of reactions from fans.
Deepika and Ranveer first announced their pregnancy on February 29, just before attending Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant’s pre-wedding bash in Jamnagar. Their announcement featured a postcard with the word “September” and adorable drawings of baby accessories. Following the news, Deepika faced criticism and accusations of faking her baby bump. However, with this stunning photoshoot, she has gracefully silenced her detractors, proving once again that she is in full command of her narrative.
Architecture
Creating a Cozy Living Room: Tips for Comfort and Style
Your living room is more than just a space for entertaining; it’s a sanctuary where you unwind, relax, and spend quality time with loved ones. Creating a cozy living room involves a blend of comfort and style that makes the space inviting and functional. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect balance:
Choose the Right Furniture
Start with furniture that combines comfort and functionality. Opt for a plush sofa with deep cushions, perfect for lounging. Consider adding a cozy armchair or a recliner for additional seating. Make sure the furniture arrangement promotes conversation and allows for easy movement throughout the room.
Layer Your Lighting
Lighting plays a crucial role in setting the mood. Use a mix of lighting sources to create a warm ambiance. Combine overhead lights with floor lamps, table lamps, and wall sconces. For added coziness, incorporate dimmers or smart bulbs that let you adjust the brightness to suit different times of day and activities.
Add Textures with Throws and Pillows
Textures are key to a cozy living room. Layer different fabrics, such as soft throw blankets, plush pillows, and textured rugs. Choose fabrics like wool, velvet, and cotton that add warmth and comfort. Mix and match patterns and colors to create visual interest and a personalized touch.
Incorporate Warm Colors
Color influences the feel of a room. Opt for warm, neutral tones like beige, taupe, or soft gray for a calming effect. Accents in rich colors like deep blues, earthy greens, or warm terracotta can add depth and coziness. Use these colors in your furniture, accessories, and wall decor.
Use Rugs to Define Spaces
Rugs can help define different areas within a living room and add a layer of warmth underfoot. Choose a rug that complements your furniture and adds softness to the space. A large area rug can anchor the room, while smaller rugs can be used to highlight specific areas, like a reading nook or conversation zone.
Incorporate Natural Elements
Bring the outdoors in by incorporating natural elements. Plants not only add a touch of greenery but also improve air quality and create a calming atmosphere. Choose low-maintenance plants like succulents or snake plants if you’re not an avid gardener. Wooden furniture or decor pieces can also add a natural, grounded feel to the room.
Personalize with Artwork and Décor
Add personality to your living room with artwork and decorative items that reflect your style. Choose pieces that resonate with you, whether it’s family photos, abstract art, or vintage finds. Arrange decor items in groups to create visual interest and avoid clutter.
Create a Focal Point
A focal point helps draw the eye and creates a sense of balance in the room. This could be a fireplace, a statement piece of art, or a stylish coffee table. Arrange your furniture and decor around this focal point to enhance the room’s overall cohesion and appeal.
Invest in Quality Window Treatments
Window treatments can impact both the look and feel of your living room. Opt for curtains or blinds that provide privacy while allowing natural light to filter through. Choose fabrics that complement your decor and add texture, such as linen or velvet.
Add Personal Touches
Finally, make the space truly yours by adding personal touches. Incorporate items that have sentimental value or reflect your interests and hobbies. Whether it’s a collection of travel souvenirs, a beloved quilt, or unique decorative objects, these elements will make your living room feel more inviting and personal.
By thoughtfully combining these elements, you can create a cozy living room that serves as a comfortable retreat and a stylish gathering place for friends and family. Enjoy the process of making your space uniquely yours and revel in the comfort and warmth it provides.
People
JLO’s Bridgerton Themed Birthday Bash
There are two types of diamonds in the Bridgerton universe: the diamond of the season and the queen who selects it. Without a doubt, Jennifer Lopez belongs to the latter group.
JLO brought Bridgerton to life this past weekend in the Hamptons, where she threw an amazing event to celebrate turning 55. The celebration featured a live orchestra and a horse-drawn carriage, among other features more commonly found at social gatherings in the early 1800s. Naturally, Lady Whistletown was not prepared for the glitzy Regency-era attire either.
In her first ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, she looked downright royal in a stunning light blue ball gown with a bodice piece that had off-the-shoulder cuffs and gilded diamond-shaped embroidery. The gown was worn over a full skirt that was embroidered with larger-than-life gold floral motifs.
Lopez wore few accessories and let the dress do the talking because of how grand the ensemble was. She chose stud earrings, a basic pendant necklace, and sheer white opera gloves. She had a gold laurel crown in her hair.
Jennifer transformed into something a bit more fluid later in the evening, which made it easier for her to move around the dance floor and interact with other attendees. This second dress was a gauzy moss-green number with a sequined floral bust, and it too had an off-the-shoulder neckline.
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