Our Purpose
Sanchali –A journey beyond roots. It was born of the idea of encouraging creative self expression, curiosity and growth for the future.
Inclusion and Innovation
We are a creative design house that does sculptural and textile-based art projects. Inspired by art and heritage, our work focuses on the plurality of cultural identity by questioning place and perspective through a range of jewelry, garments, objects and art installations. We refer to our designs as artifacts of extended self. They are handmade, one-of-a-kind and some come as limited editions. We embrace diversity in all its forms.
Sustainability and Responsibility
We explore the potential of handwoven, vintage and surplus textile material by giving it a new life through old and new artisanal skills. Behind each of our designs there are a lot of awesome craftspeople and collectives. We support heritage techniques by creating awareness of their beauty and the need to preserve them.
Fairness and Transparency
Our production is done in small workshops in India and Austria where we cultivate direct relationships and work to ensure fair and ethical conditions for every single one of them. We believe that positive change happens through communication, collaboration and education on all ends.
Our Family
Our Journey
Dakshayini Gowda, Artist & Founder
Sanchali – Beginnings
My journey began with an unusual and diverse education in Fine Arts, Museology and Archaeology in Karnataka and Gujarat, India, which led to many encounters with local crafts people in remote villages. My love for regional and ancestral arts and crafts grew stronger as local people gifted me their knowledge and I was drawn in by their warmth and philosophy. This enriching experience transformed me from a visiting designer to a collaborator, creating opportunities for people in villages with a holistic approach through my designs. All of these discoveries and insights eventually led to the creation of Sanchali in 2008.
Dakshayini Gowda von Stietencron, Artist, Founder, Mother, Entrepreneur, Interlocutor and a decent cook
Sanchali – Today
A beautiful yet unexpected life change brought me to Austria. At the start, joining a culture that was far from my own was not easy and led to many bittersweet, bubble bursting but also enriching experiences. The Sanchali project had to be rethought, keeping its core values in place and balancing the new influences in my existing environment. New ways of working emerged! Long distance communication through photos and voice messages kept my relationship with local artisans alive. When at times it was challenging, I remembered what my mother told me: that I have planted new roots into a different cultural environment, which require cultivation, nourishment and care. Over time, I found that a firmly rooted individual can grow strong in any surrounding, and that this emotional journey provided me with a new perspective. SANCHALI is where I have been, where I am now and where I’m ready to go next. Join me!