IhsanIshan Design
An award-winning unique luxury fine arts/design studio inspiring peace, understanding, change and bringing the world together.
Project Description
IhsanIshan Design celebrates South-Asian shared traditions, disrupting biases, and uniting diverse cultures through our unique design concepts. Our brand is at the forefront of promoting global culture told through the art of traditional Arabic Calligraphy (with a modern twist) to build a more understanding, harmonious, compassionate, just world and global change in thinking.
OUR MISSION
We are on a mission to engage all people/communities interested in knowing about the diversity of this world with products that include textiles, accessories, + custom design & commissions, all of which have a meaningful and powerful message/concept behind them to educate, start conversations, fight negative stereotypes, end racism by showcasing unique, positive/interconnected/uplifting stories, highlighting shared traditions, to build a more understanding, harmonious, compassionate, just world and global change in thinking.
THE PROBLEM
Horrified by the animosity/negative perceptions as seen on media and that plague South Asian Hindu and Muslim communities, IhsanIshan was initially launched to celebrate both faiths, its shared traditions, educate, and bring about peace and understanding and to remind the world that India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, parts of Iran were all one landmass before colonization/partition, we share more than differ. The brand now includes Black Lives Matter (a recipient of numerous awards for social justice, interfaith, and global change initiatives) and the Amazigh peoples of North Africa.
OUR SOLUTION
We create timeless, distinctive, unisex designs that appeal to a wide customer base, eliminating the term "fast fashion”. The products tell a unique meaningful story that changes one's thinking, fights negative stereotypes/biases, and makes a difference in one's life.
FOUNDER
I am the ONLY person in the world like this: A Hindu, Indian American woman who is an Arabic/Islamic Calligrapher! My brand has never been done before.
My why?
To make a difference in this world.
www.ihsanishan.com
Faith. Fashion. Design. Education. Activism.
We create timeless, distinctive, unisex designs that appeal to a wide customer base, eliminating the term "fast fashion”. The products tell a unique meaningful story that changes one's thinking, fights negative stereotypes/biases, and makes a difference in one's life.
The concept/meaning of each design is even printed on the back of the garment! All products are eco-friendly, eco-conscious, and a part of the proceeds of every sale are given to a charity that works with the culture/community the design was inspired by.
The brand now includes Black Lives Matter (a recipient of numerous awards for social justice, interfaith, and global change initiatives) and the Amazigh (indigenous) people of North Africa.
I believe that art and design are the way to bring together diverse communities. It is a way to heal past traumas, phobias, fight stereotypes, etc. I believe in amplifying positive interconnected stories between global cultures and making a difference!
HOW WE WILL USE THE FUNDS
We are raising funds to expand our product line and hire a team. We are looking to hire trained professionals in the areas of social media marketing, sales, public relations, and web development. The funds would be used to expand current product lines and fabrications, add ready-to-wear, jewelry, and an extensive home décor line. Product development would include designs on new and unique materials. With a full team in place, IhsanIshan would be able to bring their product line with their message of peace and education to wider global audiences.
There are a few ways you can support our campaign:
- Choose one of the great rewards that I've designed exclusively for this campaign
- Share this campaign on social media to help get the word out about IhsanIshan Design
- Talk to your friends and family members about IhsanIshan Design— perhaps they may also want to support this campaign!
IHSANISHAN DESIGN IN THE NEWS
https://www.ihsanishan.com/press
https://www.thepeahceproject.com/interviews/sangeetha-kowsik
https://mozaikphilanthropy.org/future-art-awards-2021/
https://blogs.lt.vt.edu/interfaithart/artworks/#artwork4
https://goodindiangirl.com/good-indian-girl-sort-of-sangeetha-kowsik/
https://anchor.fm/sacredpalette/episodes/Episode-4--Ihsanishan-eg0ore
https://urbanasian.com/featured/2020/03/meet-sangeetha-kowsik-the-founder-of-ihsanishan-designs/
https://tamilculture.com/hindu-tamil-american-im-an-arabicislamic-calligrapherdesigner
Updates
The Campaign FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Please, replace this example content
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Designed exclusively for the campaign
- Inshallah Graffiti Print Bag
- The unique shape can fold into a bag or be used as a scarf
- 18" strap
- Heavy Crepe Fabric
- Vegan leather strap
Just Because I Care and Offer Support!
Thank you for all your love, appreciation, support of my designs! Sending you a virtual hug!
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Our logo printed on front
- Metallic Gold Reusable Shopping Tote
- Environmentally friendly
- Use this bag for all your needs
- Fashion meets function
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusive Logo Print
- Arabic Calligraphy meaningful art
- Giclée printing quality
- Museum-quality print
- Created exclusively for the campaign
MEANING BEHIND LOGO DESIGN :
The crescent moon is significant in both Islam and Hinduism.
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva (The lord of dance) is depicted with it in his hair.
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from South India and the first form of dance I learned. These dancers wear a crescent moon in their hair along with a sun ornament.
The crescent is also represented in the shape of nose rings South Indian temple goddesses are adorned with. The shape appears again in the fanned-out portion of their Saris (traditional Indian garments.)
I chose purple in reference to the color of the sunset (significant in Islam) and because it is associated with Lord Shiva and the cosmos.
This particular shade was influenced by the rich luxe lipstick shades I worked with in the fashion industry.
I wanted the logo to feel ornamental, like a piece of jewelry. "Ihsan" is written on the right, "Ishan" is written on the left in stylized Kufic script.
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusively designed Zippered Carryall / Keepsake Pouch for Campaign supporters!
- Front & Back Print
- Zip pull with tab
- 12" total in size
CONCEPT BEHIND DESIGN:
“Subhanallah” in Arabic means “God is perfect” or “Praised be God”, or “Glory to God."
Tablas are incredibly fascinating in their origins and appeal.
When they are constructed in India, Hindus are responsible for the inner black core while Muslims construct the leather aspects on the outer part of the instrument.
The word “tabla” likely came from “tabl”, the Persian and Arabic word for drum. Tabla is a shared instrument played by both Hindus & Muslims for Bhajans (devotional songs of the Hindus)
and Qawwali (devotional music of Sufi Islam). All forms of music, especially Hindustani, have always been a source of inspiration to me. And coincidentally, my name, "Sangeetha" translates to "music" in Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu. Out of all of the Hindu deities, Lord Ganesha (my favorite) is the only one who is depicted playing the tabla.
I have been privileged to watch performances of players from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as many folks from the West and many lady players as well!
“Subhan” is written in the "naskh" script and is read from the bottom up and right to left, with “Allah” on top. For the smaller drum “Allah” is written around the small blocks.
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Designed exclusively for campaign supporters
- Unique Arabic Calligraphy Design embroidered on the left chest
- Made of ring-spun cotton and suede fleece polyester, it's exceptionally soft, comfortable, and great for both cold winter days and chilly summer evenings.
CONCEPT BEHIND DESIGN :
“UM” means “mother” in Arabic drawn in the shape of Mother Durga’s ( Hindu Goddess) trident which is used to destroy evil and protect righteousness. “Trishul" (trident) is the symbol of three qualities – Satva (salvation), Rajas (peace) and Tamas (serenity). All qualities women have! Red is associated with Durga (valor) and the Pink Lotus is for Lakshmi (prosperity)
Islam states a “mother” is her child’s first teacher, just like Hinduism “Mata (mother), Pitta (Father), Guru (teacher), Devam (God).
Hinduism & Islam give EQUAL rights to Women!
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusive Silk Scarf design for campaign
- Design is inspired by the Amazigh (Indigenous people of North Africa)
- Scarf pattern says TILLEI ABDA or “Always be Free” in Tamazight language
- 16" w x 72" H
CONCEPT BEHIND DESIGN:
This design was inspired by my trip to Morocco and the Amazigh people. The design combines geometric patterns, Southern Mosque architecture (very distinct & unique to the Sahara desert), Jewelry carvings, Tuareg symbols,
traditional colors, & Tiffinagh script.
- Exclusive design created for campaign supporters
- Exclusive pattern celebrating/inspired by Persia
- Snap closure with pockets inside
- Vegan leather strap
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusive Design created for Campaign Supporters
- Unisex design
- All over print front and back
- Brushed fleece fabric inside
- 2 self-fabric pocket
- 100% Polyester
Rewards
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Designed exclusively for the campaign
- Inshallah Graffiti Print Bag
- The unique shape can fold into a bag or be used as a scarf
- 18" strap
- Heavy Crepe Fabric
- Vegan leather strap
Just Because I Care and Offer Support!
Thank you for all your love, appreciation, support of my designs! Sending you a virtual hug!
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Our logo printed on front
- Metallic Gold Reusable Shopping Tote
- Environmentally friendly
- Use this bag for all your needs
- Fashion meets function
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusive Logo Print
- Arabic Calligraphy meaningful art
- Giclée printing quality
- Museum-quality print
- Created exclusively for the campaign
MEANING BEHIND LOGO DESIGN :
The crescent moon is significant in both Islam and Hinduism.
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva (The lord of dance) is depicted with it in his hair.
Bharatanatyam is a classical dance from South India and the first form of dance I learned. These dancers wear a crescent moon in their hair along with a sun ornament.
The crescent is also represented in the shape of nose rings South Indian temple goddesses are adorned with. The shape appears again in the fanned-out portion of their Saris (traditional Indian garments.)
I chose purple in reference to the color of the sunset (significant in Islam) and because it is associated with Lord Shiva and the cosmos.
This particular shade was influenced by the rich luxe lipstick shades I worked with in the fashion industry.
I wanted the logo to feel ornamental, like a piece of jewelry. "Ihsan" is written on the right, "Ishan" is written on the left in stylized Kufic script.
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusively designed Zippered Carryall / Keepsake Pouch for Campaign supporters!
- Front & Back Print
- Zip pull with tab
- 12" total in size
CONCEPT BEHIND DESIGN:
“Subhanallah” in Arabic means “God is perfect” or “Praised be God”, or “Glory to God."
Tablas are incredibly fascinating in their origins and appeal.
When they are constructed in India, Hindus are responsible for the inner black core while Muslims construct the leather aspects on the outer part of the instrument.
The word “tabla” likely came from “tabl”, the Persian and Arabic word for drum. Tabla is a shared instrument played by both Hindus & Muslims for Bhajans (devotional songs of the Hindus)
and Qawwali (devotional music of Sufi Islam). All forms of music, especially Hindustani, have always been a source of inspiration to me. And coincidentally, my name, "Sangeetha" translates to "music" in Sanskrit/Hindi/Urdu. Out of all of the Hindu deities, Lord Ganesha (my favorite) is the only one who is depicted playing the tabla.
I have been privileged to watch performances of players from India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka as well as many folks from the West and many lady players as well!
“Subhan” is written in the "naskh" script and is read from the bottom up and right to left, with “Allah” on top. For the smaller drum “Allah” is written around the small blocks.
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Designed exclusively for campaign supporters
- Unique Arabic Calligraphy Design embroidered on the left chest
- Made of ring-spun cotton and suede fleece polyester, it's exceptionally soft, comfortable, and great for both cold winter days and chilly summer evenings.
CONCEPT BEHIND DESIGN :
“UM” means “mother” in Arabic drawn in the shape of Mother Durga’s ( Hindu Goddess) trident which is used to destroy evil and protect righteousness. “Trishul" (trident) is the symbol of three qualities – Satva (salvation), Rajas (peace) and Tamas (serenity). All qualities women have! Red is associated with Durga (valor) and the Pink Lotus is for Lakshmi (prosperity)
Islam states a “mother” is her child’s first teacher, just like Hinduism “Mata (mother), Pitta (Father), Guru (teacher), Devam (God).
Hinduism & Islam give EQUAL rights to Women!
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusive Silk Scarf design for campaign
- Design is inspired by the Amazigh (Indigenous people of North Africa)
- Scarf pattern says TILLEI ABDA or “Always be Free” in Tamazight language
- 16" w x 72" H
CONCEPT BEHIND DESIGN:
This design was inspired by my trip to Morocco and the Amazigh people. The design combines geometric patterns, Southern Mosque architecture (very distinct & unique to the Sahara desert), Jewelry carvings, Tuareg symbols,
traditional colors, & Tiffinagh script.
- Exclusive design created for campaign supporters
- Exclusive pattern celebrating/inspired by Persia
- Snap closure with pockets inside
- Vegan leather strap
- Shoutout & Handwritten Thank You Note
- Exclusive Design created for Campaign Supporters
- Unisex design
- All over print front and back
- Brushed fleece fabric inside
- 2 self-fabric pocket
- 100% Polyester