Founded by designer Swati Sharma, Indian design house Brahma Karma is known for its unexpected designs.
We're absolutely in love with the Brahma Karma style, so it's an honor to offer Swati's modern block print fabrics to the sewing community. In our shop, customers are drawn to the fresh aesthetic and glorious color palette of these soft cottons.
We wanted to learn more from Swati about her design process and entrepreneurial spirit. She's in Mumbai, we're in New York, so we chatted by email.
Q: Jaipur is famously the “Crafts Capital of India”. What was it like to grow up among so many different art forms?
Swati: Growing up in Jaipur, craft wasn’t something “special”—it was just a part of everyday life. You see color, texture, and detail everywhere, from the streets to people’s homes. Over time, you realise how deeply rooted these traditions are, and that naturally shapes your aesthetic and sensitivity towards handmade work.
Q: When did you know that you wanted to be a designer? Did you study art/design at university?
Swati: I don’t think there was one defining moment. It was more of a gradual pull towards creating something of my own. I’ve always been drawn to textiles and clothing, and over time, that interest became more intentional.
I did post graduation work in Crafts and Design from The Indian Institute of Crafts and Design, Jaipur. My learning is a continuous, ongoing process because I work closely with artisans to understand the craft from the ground up.
Q: What do you love about working with textiles? How did you know that you wanted to work with block prints?
Swati: Textiles are incredibly tactile and alive—you can feel the effort, the process, the human touch in them. Block printing, especially, has a rhythm to it. The imperfections, the layers, the depth—it all makes each piece unique. I was drawn to it because it felt honest and expressive, not mechanical. Also working with discharge dyes makes sure there is no dull moment. The surprises keep me on my toes.
Q: Tell us a little about working with your artisans to bring your vision to life. How do they influence the process?
Swati: It’s always a collaboration. While I may start with an idea, the artisans bring their years of skill and intuition into it. Sometimes the way a block is carved or a color reacts on fabric changes the direction of the design. That exchange is what makes the process so rich—it’s never just mine, it’s shared. I am always asking questions from the artisans to improve my understanding of the process.
Q: Your designs are totally unique. Where do you find your inspiration?
Swati: Inspiration comes from everywhere—nature, architecture, old textiles, even everyday moments. I’m drawn to patterns and details, whether it’s something structured or organic. But a lot of it also comes from within—what feels right in that moment.
Also for me the design process almost begins when the block is ready and I am given the responsibility to check it. I love exploring the possibilities of printing a block in many different ways.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the journey from design to finished product?
Swati: Seeing an idea slowly take form. From the first sketch to the final piece—it’s a long journey, and every stage has its own beauty. But there’s something very special about holding the finished textile and knowing the hands and processes it has gone through.
Q: You started Brahma Karma more than ten years ago. How has your style evolved?
Swati: In the beginning, I was exploring a lot—trying to understand what felt like “me.” Over the years, my style has become more refined and intuitive. There’s more clarity now, but also more freedom to experiment.
Q: What have been some challenges that you faced in starting your own brand?
Swati: Building something from scratch always comes with uncertainty. From managing production to finding the right audience, there were many learning curves. Working with handmade processes also means unpredictability, which can be challenging but is also what makes it meaningful.
Q: Your daughter now assists you, right? What’s that like?
Swati: My daughter is in school! She is 15. But yes, she takes a lot of pride in my work and wouldn’t leave any chance to talk about it. If I am exhibiting in Mumbai, she comes to help me. Having grown up around my work, she takes ownership in it.
Q: You design a lot of saris, though they are less frequently worn nowadays. Who is your ideal customer? How do you persuade younger women to wear a sari?
Swati: I don’t try to persuade anyone. I believe if something resonates, people will come to it naturally. My customer is someone who values craft and individuality. With saris, I try to make them feel effortless and relevant, so they don’t feel like an occasion-only garment.
Q: Where do you sell your line?
Swati: Primarily through exhibitions and our website. Also word of mouth, and direct interactions with clients. That personal connection has always been important to me.
Q: What’s next for Brahma Karma? Any plans you can tell us about?
Swati: I’d like to continue exploring textiles in a deeper way—while staying rooted in what we do. The idea is to grow, but thoughtfully, keeping the essence of the brand. I love the process, and making products that are timeless and really last is my way of being a sustainable brand.
Thank you, Swati!
To learn more about making block print fabrics, read her evocative description on the Brahma Karma website. The many steps and complexities are fascinating! And we took A Look at Hand Block Printing on our blog several years ago.
Swati uses these striking prints for her line of men's shirts. Our customers love them for quilts as well as garment sewing. What will you make with them?
