The Sari Project

The Sari Project is an exhibition showcasing a year-long collaboration between The Social Studio and Kahini. Inspired by 100 donated saris, this project explores stories of migration and intercultural exchange between the students of The Social Studio and the women of Kahini.

In November 2024, The Social Studio, a Melbourne-based fashion school, social enterprise and retailer was approached with an offer of 100 donated saris from women in Melbourne’s Indian and Sri Lankan communities, via local arts organisation Kahini. Many of the saris were in pristine condition, made of cotton and silk, some handloomed and embroidered - all of them holding cultural significance and meaning for the donors.  

What began as a project to upcycle donated fabric quickly evolved into a much bigger idea. The Social Studio considered, “What if we could meet the women who so generously donated their saris to us? And what if we could bring them together with The Social Studio’s own community of talented students and alumni to learn from one another?” The result is The Sari Project, a year-long exploration into migrant experience, creative inspiration and the culture and stories surrounding sari wearing.  

Presented in the foyer of Bunjil Place, this special exhibition features garments made by The Social Studio students and alumni as well as garments crafted by the The Social Studio team for their retail collection. Upcycled from the donated saris into a transeasonal, size-inclusive retail collection that reflects circular design values, celebrates cultural heritage, and is co-created with community members. 

This exhibition includes photos and interviews with some of the donor “aunties” expressing their experiences of migrating to Australia, how they kept their culture and heritage close and what saris mean to them. There are also reflections from The Social Studio students and alumni about their designs and what they’ve learned through working with this special sari archive.

The Sari Project is presented at Bunjil Place as part of the community programs and events associated with The Offbeat Sari  - a touring exhibition by the Design Museum, London. Now showing in the Bunjil Place Gallery. 

Above image:  Melbourne Fashion Week Fashion X Music runway featuring The Social Studio, 2025. Photo: Daniel Pockett.

Header image: Melbourne Fashion Week Fashion X Music runway featuring The Social Studio, 2025. Photo: Will Hamilton Coates.

About The Social Studio and Kahini

The Social Studio is a not-for-profit fashion school, manufacturer and store located in Yálla-birr-ang (Collingwood).  The studio helps nurture Australia's next generation of fashion designers and creatives from refugee, asylum seeking and culturally diverse backgrounds.  

Kahini is a community, arts and social impact organisation with the simple aim to create a better, healthier and more equitable world. Kahini centres art as a vehicle for change, and the catalyst for powerful action towards a better future.