Origin Story
My name is Shivani, and I present to you,
The 'S' in Snaari represents me and Sujata (my mom).
It also embodies my affection for Indian Saari fabric and Singapore.
'Naari’ means woman in my first language, Odia. It’s spoken in Odisha, a culturally beautiful place in India.
My passion for one-of-a-kind outfits began at the age of three. My earliest memory involves a dress lovingly crafted by my father, with careful guidance from my mother, who was the creative force behind the design. I vividly recall wearing little dresses made from a collage of fabrics, which were later passed down to my younger sister. This was my first glimpse into the world of sewing machines, fabrics, colors, and the essence of slow fashion.
One of my fondest memories is of a sweater dress my mother knitted, which became my absolute favorite and remained in my wardrobe for years. My father’s precision, attention to detail, and technical expertise in sewing, upcycling, and creating new outfits have always been a source of inspiration for me. Despite being a professor, he never hesitated to nurture his creative side.
My mother has also been a constant source of inspiration, from her embroidery and knitting to applique, crochet, and crafting exceptional pieces for the entire family. Her dedication, creativity, and ability to learn and innovate, even with the demands of homemaking, have always amazed me. The uniqueness, love, and time invested in every piece she made are qualities that I deeply treasure to this day.
Growing up in a small town in Odisha, India, I was inspired by my mother’s creativity and my father’s commitment to precision. Surrounded by such an encouraging environment, I nurtured a deep passion for design and storytelling, always aspiring to share my vision with the world.
My designs blend Western styles with Eastern influences, creating a unique fusion of cultures. With Snaari’s debut collection, SuJata, I had the pleasure of introducing you to my world. Named after my mother, Sujata, which also means 'Origin' in Odia, the collection reflects the foundation of my creative journey. In Snaari’s second collection, Dwitiya, I embrace my love for vibrant colors and highlight the traditional applique work of Odisha.
Vision
I am passionate about having my work bring global recognition to Odisha, the place of my origin, making a difference and bringing joy to women's lives.
With every collection of Snaari, my goal is to make you feel joyous, confident, and effortlessly sexy.
Approach
Each of the tops, skirts, and dresses in the collections are meticulously designed and handcrafted. Every design begins as a sketch on paper, where it's carefully evaluated, and the fabric is thoughtfully selected to bring the concept to life.
The process of turning a design into a finished outfit is intricate and thorough, involving paper and fabric drafts, followed by multiple fit assessments until the perfect silhouette is achieved. The finishing touches, whether through embroidery or applique, lend a distinct uniqueness to each piece.
The result is a seamless transformation of the design from paper to fabric, bringing it to life on the body.
Inspiration
