Maham Zahra

My work explores the fusion of traditional textile arts with contemporary fashion, focusing on Ralli, a vibrant hand-stitched textile tradition from Sindh, Pakistan. This project reimagines Ralli within the digital fashion sphere, using tools like CLO3D, Marvelous Designer, and Blender to merge its intricate heritage-driven designs with contemporary Western aesthetics. The outcome – a fashion short film – celebrates Ralli’s cultural significance while demonstrating how traditional crafts can adapt to modern technologies and global markets.

The inspiration for this project stems from my personal connection to Ralli. As a child visiting Karachi’s fabric markets, I was struck by its colours and geometric patterns. These memories shaped my admiration for the craft and motivated me to create a nostalgic bridge between my roots and contemporary audiences. By digitising Ralli into wearable forms, I aim to keep the tradition alive while placing it in dialogue with modern design.

Beyond aesthetics, the project advocates for Cultural Innovation and Sustainability. Digital prototyping reduces waste, water use, and energy consumption, while also lowering production costs and eliminating excess sampling. In doing so, Ralli becomes not only timeless but also eco-conscious and globally accessible.

Equally, the project highlights the potential social and financial benefits of integrating artisans into digital fashion networks – expanding Ralli’s reach, creating new skill-sharing opportunities, and offering sustainable livelihoods. Ultimately, this work demonstrates how heritage crafts can be reimagined without losing their cultural essence, transforming Ralli into a story of continuity, resilience, and renewal.