Alba Amicorum is Darshana's brand and muse. Her own designs make up part of the collection. Her artistic vision comes from her on-going twenty plus year career as a creative director and graphic designer for some of the most influential global brands.

She is proud to work with a large array of accomplished artists spanning many mediums. Their work, and her love of fashion and art are her inspiration for Alba Amicorum. Born in Mumbai, Darshana studied and started her career in New York City where she lived for twenty years. She presently resides in London.

www.darshanashilpi.com

Where do you live and what is your background?
Art has always been central to my life. I grew up in Bombay (now Mumbai), with both my parents as successful artists and collectors of ancient Indian art. I was exposed to and was fascinated by different creative disciplines and was fortunate to know and learn from some of the best in their fields. I then spent 20 years in New York City, studying graphic design and branding and working in the field. I have since settled in London for the past 10 years and also spend time in Brussels.

What medium do you work in and why?
I work with traditional and digital media. I love the versatility resulting from combination of the two.

Does your work explore any particular themes or fascinations?
The themes vary with inspiration. And inspiration comes from many places. My fascination is with the interpretation of that inspiration.

Talk us through your practice and process.
I like to simplify the thoughts and emotions that go with the idea or inspiration as I begin to work. While I have a concept in mind the process is intuitive and I enjoy the spontaneous outcome of having no fixed expectation. 

If we were to walk into your studio what would we find?
Playlists compiled for me by my husband, a scented candle and a happy Labrador.