India Through Designer’s Eyes: Maria Zhogova Completed Training Abroad

Maria Zhogova, associate professor of Design and Technology Department at VVSU, has completed her studies at India's Handloom Technology Institute. Over two weeks, she studied traditional eastern weaving techniques and fabric dyeing methods. We asked Maria what inspired her journey to India.

What prompted you to travel to distant India?

– Around fifteen years ago, when I was still a student, my friend brought an Indian sari to the university. At that moment, studying the history of costume, I fell in love with the vibrant colors, quality materials, and intricate patterns. It seemed incredible that someone could create something so beautiful manually. Since then, I've been fascinated by the work of Indian craftsmen.

How did you manage to join one of South Asia's most unique institutes?

– The Ministry of Textiles in India organized an international program called "Heritage and Textile of Indigenous Peoples." Applicants from around the globe were invited. Later, I discovered that I was the only participant selected from Russia. It felt miraculous: being able to visit Indian textile factories and hear locals talk about weaving, clothing design, and the past and future of the textile industry.

Tell us about your learning experience there.

– Two weeks at the institute turned into a thrilling adventure for me as a fashion designer. Museum visits introduced me to various types of saris. Lectures provided insights into traditional techniques, while hands-on workshops taught me many subtleties of weaving, printing, and dyeing fabrics.

How will you apply your newly acquired knowledge?

– Of course, I'll use this information in lectures and classes for students majoring in light industry construction. However, I believe everyone interested in fashion, environmental design, international relations, and tourism would benefit from this topic. Therefore, I'm organizing a masterclass on September 30th at 16:50 in room 1235 of the VVSU library, where I'll demonstrate traditional Indian printing techniques accompanied by a lecture on Indian culture and traditional costumes.

An open meeting with Maria Zhogova will be held on September 30th at 16:50 in Room 1235 of the VVSU library. There, she'll share her experiences and insights gained during her travels, offering a glimpse into the lives and professional practices of Indian artisans.