Hitesh Tanwar

Name

Hitesh Tanwar

Course

Fashion Design, MA

Contact

About

Hi, I'm a former graphic designer and co-founder of a jewelry brand, now completing my studies in fashion design. With hands-on experience in metalwork, I used to create handmade jewelry, and metal has always been a source of excitement for me. This passion inspired me to explore the potential of metal in the fashion industry, leading to my current project. I have a keen eye for detail and draw inspiration from my surroundings, finding creativity in even the smallest things.

Project overview

INDUSTRIAL NATURE: THE ART OF METAL SCALEMAIL

This project explores the integration of metal—specifically scalemail aluminum—into fashion design. Throughout the semester, I delved into the creative and technical aspects of this material, evolving my methods to overcome various challenges. The journey from initial concept to final product involved extensive research, material experimentation, prototyping, and design refinement. Building on my previous work with Chainmail and Platemail, this semester marked a significant turning point as I focused on Scalemail. Unlike the more rigid and static nature of other metalworking techniques, Scalemail offered a unique flexibility and adaptability that I found both intriguing and ripe for innovation. This project showcases how metal can be reimagined to redefine the boundaries of fashion.

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by Hitesh Tanwar named INDUSTRIAL NATURE: THE ART OF METAL SCALEMAIL

The third semester marked a significant turning point in my exploration of metalworking techniques, specifically focusing on "scalemail." After delving into Chainmail and Platemail in the previous semester, I was drawn to Scalemail due to its unique flexibility and potential for innovation. Unlike the rigid and somewhat static nature of Chainmail and Platemail, Scalemail offered a dynamic and adaptable quality that I found both intriguing and challenging.

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by Hitesh Tanwar named INDUSTRIAL NATURE: THE ART OF METAL SCALEMAIL

To gain practical insight, I initially experimented with screen printing and hand-painting on Platemail. While the unique texture created by screen printing was appealing, the paint chipped easily, making it unsuitable for the overlapping design of Scalemail. After consulting with professionals, I decided to switch to etching on metal, which proved to be much more durable and effective for my designs.

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by Hitesh Tanwar named INDUSTRIAL NATURE: THE ART OF METAL SCALEMAIL

Arguably the most challenging and exciting one, was entirely manual. Each piece had to be carefully finished by hand—separated, ground down, polished, and bent—all with meticulous attention to detail.

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by Hitesh Tanwar named INDUSTRIAL NATURE: THE ART OF METAL SCALEMAIL

Closeups of final products

UCLan Degree Show artwork submission by Hitesh Tanwar named INDUSTRIAL NATURE: THE ART OF METAL SCALEMAIL