Ritika Saundh
In a world increasingly governed by the digital, the fleeting, and the fast-paced, there are few joys more profound than immersing oneself in the beauty of art that speaks to the soul. In India, this art often finds one of its most expressive forms through the depth of spirituality and the evocative power of music —two elements that Magicsimsim, with their RagaMala Collection, have combined.
The collection, conceived as a visual and emotional homage to the Hindustani musical tradition of ragas, aims to transport its beholder into a space where time pauses, and the senses are awakened, drawing from the concept of ‘bhaav’ or emotional essence. It is here, amidst the joy of nature’s bounty and the pulse of divine harmony, that we encounter art that is more than just ornamentation.
The spirit of divinity
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The intricate bejewelled embroidery in the RagaMala series taps into the emotional language of nature, reflecting the multiple emotional states that different ragas embody—from the colours of spring to the serenity of a dew-kissed dawn. Each piece draws upon the rich tradition of Indian aesthetics and craftsmanship, invoking a sense of connection to the cosmic divine.
At the heart of this collection lies the concept of ‘Rasa’—the emotional essence that music and art elicit in the viewer or listener. Just as ragas hold the power to stir a listener’s inner being, RagaMala encapsulates the emotive and spiritual potential of these musical compositions in the form of embroidery. Each work, hand-stitched by a team of inter-generational artisans, embodies centuries of heritage and devotion.
Founded by duo Varun Kumar and Simi Biswas, Magicsimsim pushes the boundaries of traditional craftsmanship. Their fusion of Indian embroidery techniques like aari, zardozi, marori, and pitta—with precious metals and semi-precious gemstones results in a rich, textured canvas that blurs the line between fabric art and fine jewellery. It is an evocative blend of the spiritual and the material, all interwoven into one stunning piece.
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Both graduates of NIFT Delhi’s Class of 2002, Kumar and Biswas’ journeys have been deeply rooted in the world of textiles and design. Biswas’ experience with renowned designers like Rohit Bal and Zaeem Jamal, and Kumar’s expertise with luxury brands like Raghuvendra Rathore and Embroidery Material, have culminated in the creation of Magicsimsim in 2020. They established the brand to elevate embroidery beyond ornamentation, making it a medium for storytelling and cultural preservation. The pieces incorporate precious metals and gemstones, showcasing the skill of artisans whose techniques have been passed down through generations.
Magicsimsim’s work is showcased at their Noida gallery , where it has attracted a dedicated audience. The RagaMala Collection is a reflection of India’s artistic heritage, connecting age-old traditions with contemporary narratives.