Sooki Studio is proud to present SAMAVAI’s holiday collection launch party. Join us on Saturday, November 16th from 1-4pm for an afternoon of marveling at the beauty and rich history of South Asian textiles while enjoying chai, snacks, natural wine and SAMAVAI's stunning new collection!
SAMAVAI is a label of gender-affirming apparel and accessories made from vintage, handwoven and deadstock fabrics. Founder Shriya Samavai Wilding creates thoughtful and purposeful products as an antithesis to modern fast fashion, which is detrimental to the environment and our garment laborers. The brand makes its garments from upcycled fabrics -- such as vintage saris from family members' personal collections -- along with hand-loomed silk & cotton, which are meticulously woven by artisans in India.
This event celebrates SAMAVAI's newest collection, which was created after a visit to India earlier this year. Shriya spent three weeks traveling across their family's home state of Tamil Nadu, discovering fabrics at excess stock cloth warehouses and meeting the artisans who have been weaving cotton and silk textiles by hand for decades. Speaking to the artisans in their native language of Tamil and learning about their dedication to the craft inspired Shriya to use their platform to bring the textiles, and thereby the weavers' stories, into fashion in the West.
The climate & labor crises demand that we change the way we produce and consume clothing. By using natural fibers, working with pre-existing materials, and ensuring safe working conditions for artisans, SAMAVAI attempts to make change in an industry that desperately needs an overhaul. The brand is committed to creating products that are anti-trend by focusing on classic silhouettes, beautiful fabrications and high quality construction, so they can be worn for years to come and passed down for generations.
SAMAVAI’s new collection will be available for purchase at this event. Guests are welcome to try on pieces in a warm and friendly environment, discuss fitting with Shriya, and place orders on custom garments.
Accessibility
The exhibition space is ADA accessible. A bathroom is available for workshop participants that has a set of 3 stairs leading to it that is not currently ADA accessible. For any specific needs or additional questions on accessibility, please reach out.
COVID Protocol
Attendees are encouraged to take at home Covid tests prior to the workshop to ensure collective safety. As we're working in a very well ventilated environment, masks are optional. If you are experiencing any Covid like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with Covid, please stay home and get in touch.