Naisa Agrawal, Rootveil, 2026

My senior collection continues the exploration I started last year, where soil acted as both a material and emotional shield. My initial investigation began where I started looking at the tones, textures, and the life cycle of soil. Now it’s grown deeper as I am trying to bring out the connection between my allergies, my body, and how clothing has always acted as a layer of protection for my body. The PROTECTIVE LAYER is the main element to my collection as garments that shield, comfort, ground, mediate and adapt the body’s relationship to the environment around it. Soil in Indian heritage is considered sacred in all ways, the ground we walk on called dharti mata to it being one of the main 5 elements. And in the same way I am trying to explore vulnerability, resilience, and materiality giving soil all the importance I have been taught throughout. This collection does not just reflect my identity conceptually but also through the physical relationship to my body- how allergies influence my sensitivity to materials and how garments become a form of self care.

2026 Pratt Fashion Show

This work was part of the 2026 Pratt Fashion Show. Watch a recording of the show to see this and more work by BFA Fashion Design students.