A lot of labels draw inspiration from nature, but Studio Medium turns to the specific hidden architecture of roots, drawing inspiration from these strong, intricate systems that sustain life on and beneath Earth. Roots, often seen as static forms, find space as symbols of movement, energy and interconnectedness in this collection, thereby transforming their organic structures into garments and textiles. The collection does not reproduce nature in a literal way. It is an artful interpretation of the ways in which nature pervades into our daily lives, and what better representation of that than through textiles and garments? Roots in specific, are known for their invisible sturctures of support, buried under the soil. This collection pays ode to their durability, reflected in the nature of the campaign itself.
The designs themselves take cues from the way roots branch, spread and penetrate layers of soil. Motifs and surface treatments reference botanical forms such as taproots, lateral roots, aerial roots and radicles, while patterns move across fabrics in directional pathways that echo their natural growth. At the centre of the studio’s practice is material experimentation; Guntai shibori is used to create sculptural formations reminiscent of roots making their way through Earth. Delicate embroidery, true to their design language, is also explored as a contemporary surface technique.
These allow for familiar, light silhouettes to provide a restrained framework, allowing texture, craftsmanship, and material innovation to remain the focus. The colours of the collection are also noteworthy; they are rendered in an earthy palette of clay, green shoot, mineral peach, sand and patina. These shades were developed through research into the soil and the minerals that give them these specific shades, which reinforces the collection’s affinity with natural systems. The founders, Riddhi Jain and Dhruv Satija take us behind the scenes.
The Inspiration
Roots Routes marks an important juncture in our journey. Through this collection, we begin looking at organic forms. Experimenting and playing with resist dyeing techniques led us to the visual language of the collection. Once we had that, we began exploring the meanings attached to roots. Through the campaign, we were interested in challenging the static perception of roots and instead highlighting their dynamism and vitality. Roots are rarely seen, yet they are responsible for anchoring, nourishing and connecting life.
We became interested in root networks and systems, and the way they navigate through the earth, responding to resistance, changing direction and finding new pathways. Through shibori, embroidery, dyeing and surface manipulation, the collection evolved as a series of experiments in movement, growth and connection. Many of the patterns emerged through process rather than prescription, allowing the material itself to participate in the making.
The Earth & Its Forms
The Earth has always been present in our work, including our previous collections. We have looked at aerial views and landscape paintings for our Jamban sarees, as well as our work with pre-consumer thread discards. Soil, stone, minerals and roots are all records of time. They carry traces of transformation, accumulation, erosion and renewal. That is what fascinates us about looking at the Earth and incorporating it into our design language and visual vocabulary. It appears static, yet holds immense dynamism if one cares enough to look. There is also something deeply grounding about working with references that predate us. The Earth reminds us that we are part of larger systems and longer timelines. It encourages a sense of humility within the act of making.
Materials and Craft
The collection is built around natural fabrics that allow texture and process to remain visible. Much of the collection's character comes from its surface techniques. Guntai shibori was used to create raised linear formations that echo the movement of roots travelling through soil. Hand embroidery mimics root systems and networks across the garments, while dyeing processes developed a palette informed by clay, sediment and minerals. For us, craft is not simply decorative. It is a way of embedding process, time and human touch into a garment.
Have a look at their visual campaign for Roots Routes here.
Words Platform Desk
Photography Menty Jamir
Date 26.6.2026
