Vriddhi Toolsidass Brings Stories to Life Through The Slow Thread Installation

MUSE celebrates creativity that pushes boundaries, and I felt The Slow Thread embodied that spirit. It challenges conventional ideas of speed, success, and production in design. Winning here feels deeply affirming — it shows me there’s space for slower, more community-centered approaches in the future of our industry.

The Slow Thread grew from the time I spent with artisans in rural India — understanding not just their techniques, but their relationship to time, labor, and storytelling. In a fast-moving design world, it represents a return to process, to care, and to material honesty — values that I think today’s industry is slowly beginning to re-embrace.

I think it was the invitation to experience the work — not just to view it. The Slow Thread isn’t static; it engages the senses through texture, smell, and memory. Every detail, from handmade prints to worn fabrics, was crafted to slow the viewer down and create emotional resonance.

One challenge was working with raw, handmade materials that didn’t always behave predictably. Rather than forcing perfection, I chose to design flexibly — allowing flaws and natural variations to become part of the project’s visual and emotional language.

I hope it opens doors to more collaborative, socially engaged design work — projects that honor both aesthetics and ethics. Even in the short term, I’ve already noticed an increase in conversations around craft-based innovation, which is exciting.

One visitor said that stepping into the installation felt like “stepping into someone’s memory” — and that kind of visceral connection was exactly the goal. Watching people slow down, touch, and share their own stories was the most rewarding feedback I could have hoped for.

Design with intention. The best work doesn’t chase trends — it creates emotional bridges. Stay true to your story, trust your process, and focus on making work that feels alive to you first.

I see the shift toward more responsible, experience-driven design as an opportunity. I hope to continue working at the intersection of heritage and innovation — creating projects that honor the past while envisioning more ethical, human-centered futures.

Your voice matters, even if you’re early in your career. Awards like MUSE aren’t just about polish — they celebrate vision. If you believe in the impact of your work, it’s worth sharing. Growth comes from stepping forward, even before you feel “ready.”

Our work has power — to shape culture, spark care, and bridge differences. Let’s keep using creativity not just to impress, but to connect, heal, and imagine better worlds together.

I dedicate this to the artisan communities who so generously shared their practices, time, and stories with me. Without them, The Slow Thread would not exist.

The Slow Thread is a tactile invitation to slow down, honor craft, and remember the stories woven into every thread we hold.

I’m currently developing a cross-cultural residency program centered on craft, sustainability, and storytelling. I’m excited to continue expanding the conversation around how design can serve as a vessel for both innovation and care.