Get to Know: Shenali Sema

The former creative head at Morphe, Shenali is also a dog-lover, textile artist, design researcher and developer, who has another project under her wings that she can’t wait to tell us about.

Tell us a little about Morphe, its aesthetic and your role.
Morphe is housed under one of the largest export and production houses in India, Creative Impex, which has been around for over 25 years. Morphe was established in 2008 and I came onboard in 2013 as creative head. Our approach to design is guided by the paradoxes of the modern condition – clean lines with complexity in the detail and contemporized surface developments. Our signature style is a repertoire of surface techniques. When you see our products, you instantly know they’re Morphe.

How did you grow to love design?
I come from Nagaland – a region known for its aesthetic sense, rich craft and textile heritage. Growing up in such a culture, I developed an innate sense of design. I studied at the National Institute of Design in Ahmedabad and focused on textiles, which influenced my understanding of design. This was further honed when I went to study fashion at the Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design in London.

You recently started a design studio. What’s the idea behind it?
Untitled Co. is a design cell that I’ve co-founded with my friend and colleague, Rinzin Lama. It’s a platform where we collaborate with designers and consult on design conceptualization, research and development. Our mission is to create ‘Made in India’ pieces of the finest craftsmanship and promote the manufacturing of premium products in India. (Instagram @untitledco__)

A piece of advice to someone just starting out
I don’t think any amount of advice is going to prepare you for what’s in store. I guess the one piece of advice I’d share would be – have a business model, a well-oiled system (at every level of execution) in place and a truckload of patience. That’s three!

Going forward, what are your plans?
We plan to expand Untitled Co. in terms of production and possibly start an ethical luxury label. Through our products and the way we choose to function, we want to promote a lifestyle and explore ways for us, for other young creative professionals and our clients to simplify their lives, cultivate community and spend more time with friends and family. 

UNDER A MINUTE

Cats or dogs
Dogs

Heels or flats
Flats

Song you’re currently obsessing over
When I Get My Hands On You – Marcus Mumford (Lyrics by Bob Dylan)

Favourite designer
Phoebe Philo

Favourite fashion city
Ummm

Instagram: @shenalisema

Twitter: @Shenalisema

Blog: shenalisema.tumblr.com

Source: Jabong