
The Makers | McGee & Co. X Filling Spaces
This article highlights the collaboration between McGee & Co. and Filling Spaces, a textile company founded by sisters Deepali Kalia and Nanu Khanna. The partnership introduces a five-piece collection featuring hand-drawn, block-printed patterns, a technique deeply rooted in Indian tradition, where the sisters were raised. The collaboration is launched alongside McGee & Co.'s Holiday 2023 Collection, showcasing a blend of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design.
The article delves into the origins of Filling Spaces, which began in 2008 and grew from a passion project into a full-time endeavor for the sisters. Deepali, based in Portland, Oregon, is the primary designer, hand-sketching patterns that are then meticulously carved into blocks. Nanu, managing operations from India, focuses on building a company that champions female empowerment and oversees the creation of textiles using traditional Indian handloom techniques.
A significant portion of the article features an interview with Deepali and Nanu, providing insights into their journey and values. They discuss the unique challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in India, where family obligations often take precedence over career aspirations, contrasting it with similar, though perhaps less pronounced, pressures on women in the US workforce. The sisters emphasize the importance of balancing career and family, a theme they navigate in their own lives and business.
The collaboration with McGee & Co. originated from a chance encounter at a trade show in Atlanta, where Shea McGee, already an admirer of Filling Spaces' products, expressed her interest. This initial connection evolved into a design partnership, starting with a shared color palette and mood board. Deepali's hand-drawn floral designs were then brought to life by Nanu and her team in India, culminating in the current collection.
The sisters articulate their desire for their products to enrich people's lives and homes, aligning with Studio McGee's philosophy of "Make Life Beautiful." They express their deep personal attachment to every item, emphasizing the heart and effort invested in each collection and pattern. Their goal is for customers to appreciate the story behind the products, respect the artisans involved, and value the raw quality of the textiles.
The production process is detailed, beginning with Deepali's hand-drawn patterns, which are then translated into hand-carved blocks in India. Color testing follows, with iterations until a cohesive collection of designs is achieved. Fabrics are hand-loomed and then block-printed in small batches, ensuring quality and minimizing waste. The entire process for a single collection typically takes six to eight weeks.
A core pillar of Filling Spaces is its commitment to zero waste. The sisters explain that this philosophy extends beyond fabric to include dyes and printing materials. Due to the hand-block printing method, only about 20 yards of fabric are produced daily, tailored specifically to order fulfillment. This approach prevents misprinting and excess production. Any leftover fabric is repurposed through their "Katran project," where it is transformed into unique items like pillows, throws, or gift bags for customers, underscoring their dedication to sustainability and resourcefulness.
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