Vastra, meaning cloth or garment, takes its name from the way its metallic surface appears to drape over the bench like a piece of fabric. Folding gently over the edges and gathering at the centre, the rigid material takes on an unexpected sense of softness and movement.
Part of the Manaka collection, Vastra reimagines India’s long tradition of beadwork through contemporary furniture. Thousands of metallic beads are handcrafted into large, closely woven sheets, an adaptation of a technique traditionally used for jewellery and smaller objects. Draped over a base of handcrafted antique brass, the work draws inspiration from textiles, weaving and the tactile richness of Indian craft, transforming metal into something that appears almost fluid.