The bespoke rattan products that Wicker Story by Priyanka Narula creates and gives new life and definition to the formal expression of the material. It attempts to create a symbiotic amalgamation of art, architecture, and product in the precinct of craft and parametric design methodology, thus celebrating the context of culture, colour, tradition and values in India.
The work involves a translation of digital processes meant for complex designing into easy adaptability for Indian craft and material systems. Wicker Story, apart from being an effective tool to realize customized and complex geometries, also transcends scale and geometry and defines new protocols for design.
How was the brand conceptualized?
Priyanka: I was always mesmerized by the idea of complex geometry but simultaneously conflicted that all means of manufacturing them seemed to be technological. In my quest to be more rooted to our traditional systems of manufacturing, I stumbled upon basketry as a means to achieve these complex shapes while working with sustainable material and local craftsmanship. And Wicker Story was thus born.
What do you believe is unique about your brand?
Priyanka: The amalgamation of current day aesthetics with local craftsmanship makes the products extremely unique. The intent of Wicker Story is to always stay true to woven systems and grow into varied material integration from recycled waste to steel. This would provide for a wider spectrum for material application from indoor to outdoor and also from product to architecture.
Mention sustainable measures taken by your brand.
Priyanka: Our raw materials are either bio degradable or recycled, plus, the process of handcrafting products add to a low carbon footprint. The products are 100% sustainable and offer a zero waste production methodology. Additionally we believe in processes of minimized complexity and stages and the less varied the materials, the more economized the manufacturing.
What would be your favourite product in the lines so far?
Priyanka: Our favorite product till date is our first one, IMLI. It was designed to invoke nostalgia in an onlooker, which happened not only through product design but also via the materiality of natural rattan, which is sometimes still perceived as an ancient and outdated material. It helped reinforce the idea that design intervention can help revive materials and craft.
What were some challenges you have overcome in your journey so far?
Priyanka: The first challenge was to convince people that rattan is a modern material that fits well in contemporary design settings. The second challenge was definitely the work of bridging our design requirements with that of a craftsman as per his understanding and skill.
What advice would you give for female entrepreneurs, such as yourself, who are just starting out?
Be consistent, persistent and believe in your strengths. The society provides numerous challenges for female entrepreneurs both on personal and professional fronts. Finding the means to tackle those is important rather being conflicted.
About the founder:
Wicker Story was conceptualized by Prelab Design Studio, an architecture and design practice based out of Hyderabad. It was founded in 2019 by Priyanka Narula, an architect by profession and an IAAC, Barcelona alumni .The project was a response to a prolonged quest for to define the future of design in the Indian context.
