About Me
HI, I'M LUXMI A GRADUATE FROM HERIOT WATT UNIVERSITY
Luxmi was inspired by the eastern 3rd gender community (commonly known as hijras). She wishes to show recognition and acknowledgement of the community who have been outcasted from general society and given unjust treatment and opportunities due to being genderless. She creatively used prints, embroidery, and garment to express these troubling issues.
The design is to promote the hijra community and start a movement which forces the normalisation of their community in modern eastern society. Luxmi says that in today’s generation “Hijras should feel accepted and given equal opportunities as everyone else. It is a generation were limitations on gender norms should be broken in order to be ours true selves.”
INSPIRATION
Childhood: My first encounter with Hijras who were punished by society.
My first inspiration was during my childhood where I was approached by Hijras who were removed from society. They approached in groups, begging for change as they were expelled from all forms of employment. It was visually clear by they way they dressed that they were struggling to make a living, yet they were calm, cheerful, and happy individuals despite the circumstances. Society may have stripped them from their identity, employment, and family however they had their community which was all that the
My second inspiration was behind the region’s beliefs of the Hijra community and how it dates back thousands of years. It’s believed that Hijras are descendants of Hindu gods and goddesses such as lord Krishna and Shiva to were genderless. This collection picks out features from their religion such as musical instruments, facial features, colours, and gods in order to allows Hijras to feel empowered and connected.
MY WORK
PORTFOLIOS
don’t wish to be restricted by gender norms
accept and equality amongst modern eastern society
judgement and actively will fight for their rights
Colours were inspired by the daily lives, religion
dressed Infront society without being discriminate
DETAIL
I used digital printing and vibrant colours to express hijra lifestyle and traditions in my garments
I used second-hand fabrics and materials for this collection as these were commonly worn by hijras. These fabrics were brought to life by experimenting with colours, pattern cuts, sizes, key messages, and digital prints. I wanted these garments to hold meaningful and personal messages directed towards the hijra community to allow them to feel more accepted by what they wear and how they look. This would impact their daily lifestyles and allow them to feel more confident and motivated in their personality and life choices instead of dreading about who they are and the feeling of unaccepted.
Society tries to dismiss us. IT’S MY WORLD
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