Ulterior Motif

One of Divya Mohta’s favourite things to do is pour over coffee table books she’s collected over the years. Different elements from the pages of these design tomes – lattice work on the Taj Mahal, petals from Kalamkari art – jump up at the designer, inspiring the motifs that make up her print-based label Tambourine, awaiting an August 11 launch at Aza.

The fun thing about Divya’s prints – drawn by hand and then digitally manipulated – is that they can live on different materials ranging from textiles to plastic and wood. Which means, the same peacocks that dance on your boyfriend’s shirt and lotuses that bloom on your maxi dress, can thrive on your dinner set as well. One plate to match my pleat, please.

Tambourine's debut apparel collection (for men and women) titled Peacock Garden features a bunch of boho separates crafted out of cottons, mal, silks and jersey fabric – we like high-waist knee-length ikat pants and front tie up floral blouse – and is inspired by ikat, chintz and leheria. While these will be available at Aza, the crockery and tableware must be ordered directly from the designer, allowing for three weeks of customised craftsmanship.

Now done with this fragrant Garden, Divya’s already planning her next collection whose patterns will echo Africa. A nice way to earn your stripes.

Getting there: Launch at Aza, 21 Sify apartments, Altamount Road on August 12, for personal orders call Divya Mohta on 9930566431, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or view the Facebook page here, starts at Rs 1,500.

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