Personality inevitably reflects in an artist’s creations. “I’m a misfit,” says Afshan Durrani, “and some say I am a subversive. I’ve always found it hard to follow rules and live up to people’s expectations of me.” Vivid visions of punk-goth-grunge that automatically spring into imagination receive a jolt upon the sight of the actual designs. Painterly florals, and subversive? A bunch of traditional flowers embroidered on cotton and silk is the cutting edge in avant-garde design! They might as well sing ‘Happy Birthday!’ Pretty indeed, but where is the rebellion?

Cutting past literal interpretations of statement-making aggression, a closer look reveals the rebel hidden in each miniature feature of Durrani’s intricately embroidered textile technique. In the age of mass and machine-manufactured items, the New York-based designer has strictly adhered to a pure couture format for her range of designer fabrics, under the label Lost City. “They go against the grain, and have an element of surprise and quirky perfection,” explains Durrani, and this time one understands better. “Lost City pays homage to beauty…and traditions that seem to be disappearing in our rush to commercialise and become something crass.”

To a nation brought up on an everyday main-course embroidery diet, exceptional quality craft might simply be an upgrade of ‘good’ — which is standard fare. But while we understand the subtle nuances of hand-texturing variations, the depth remains unusual even in many internationally established couture houses in the West. Therefore, Durrani’s adherence to authentic craft form, and attempts at the revival of near-extinct ancient embroidery techniques are certainly noteworthy. “But our company is forward-looking,” she clarifies.We want to salvage great things from the past but we are nostalgic for the future.” A contra-diction, perhaps, but experimentation co-exists with renovation. “I thrive on innovation and intelligent application of design in all its forms,” she says.

The Kashmir-born designer has been well acquainted with ethnic craft forms, and despite having a home in New York, she has set her manufacturing unit in Lucknow — a city that has been part of the inspiration behind her label’s name. “Lucknow is a great example of a lost city. It was once a crucible of elegance, art, culture and secularism,” she reminds us. “Now, its exquisite architecture is crumbling and its magic is obliterated by ugly buildings and a tragic boorishness.” She is indignantly vociferous about general disregard for heritage property, and is appalled by the sight of men defecating against the beautiful, ancient buildings. But she acknowledges that Lucknow still retains certain authentic Mughal craft forms, which, although under threat of extinction, still have a chance for salvation. Lucknow is not her sole source of material. Every year, Durrani also visits places like New Delhi and Rajasthan, and purchases her cottons from Surat and silks from Bangalore, which serve as base fabrics for her creations. She enjoys travelling to various international destinations for inspiration. “Japanese Sara- satic designs, Turkish Iznik pottery and Ottoman period art and architecture, Dutch botanical watercolours, Persian and Urdu poetry,” she lists, “Punk rock.” Ah, finally a bit of the good old conventional rebel essence this should have an interesting reflection in her products.