Over the last month since the first Adorned Narratives – Wearing Our Stories with Pride pop up, we took some much needed time to rest, recover and reflect on what we had achieved. And now we come together again to share the story, the intentions, the community we built and the learnings from our first ever collaborative pop up.
Adorned Narratives began with the seed of an idea, which grew into a mini festival in it’s own right! Over 3 beautiful days we guided our guests on a journey through the past, the present and the future. The string tying this all together: Adornment. As you know, we both work within creative disciplines and our natural connection and desire to create a community we had always longed for, was the driving force behind the pop up where we wanted to delve deeper into the power of adornment.
Did you know that the pieces we choose to adorn ourselves with like items of clothing and pieces of jewellery can often hold deep stories? These objects often carry so much more meaning than simply being an item we choose to wear. They can hold fond memories, represent special occasions and form heirlooms to pass down through generations.
And so that is where the pop up began. On a beautiful summers weekend the Lab E20, East London., opened it’s doors for the first Adorned Narratives pop up!
The Line Up
Day one began with a journey into the past with wellbeing, safety and security at the forefront. We had a wholesome yoga practice and collective sharing circle where guests could delve into their senses, connect with others and share their own stories through objects, all whilst being held and supported from start to finish by dedicated wellbeing practitioners.
Day two brought guests into the present, ready to get creative, inspired and hands on! The day included colourful and creative sessions including a Colour & Style Workshop, a creative Moodboarding Workshop and an interactive Jewellery Making Workshop to firmly ground guests into the present! Khao Suppers provided guests with a mouth watering homemade Indian lunch.
The pop up ended on day three with a celebration of the future! We showcased of range of the incredible creative talent within the community including everything from artists, illustrators, beauty and wellbeing to fashion brands and more. It was a space suitable for all of the family and truly felt like a celebration of everything that has been and everything that is to come!
Reflections from Anisha
As the festival began, I was overwhelmed by a powerful sense of déjà vu. The space, the people, and the energy felt strikingly familiar—a deep inner knowing that I had been here before. As the day unfolded and we lovingly began to create the altar, a memory resurfaced: over a year ago, I had dreamt of this very space. In that dream, canopies draped overhead, and a circle of South Asian women gathered together, sharing stories, feeling safe, held, and supported. The vision that once existed only in a dream had now become a reality.
As we moved through the sharing circle, the power of objects, material culture, and adornment as modes of storytelling, healing, and connection became undeniable. These elements not only allowed us to share our stories but also served as tools for deep healing and connection. Witnessing how these symbols of our heritage and identity brought us closer together was truly profound.
As the days progressed, we witnessed the deeply rooted plans for Adorned Narratives come to life. We were in awe of what we had created—something co-curated from our hearts through months of hard work. It felt as though a visceral energy was rising within us each day, divinely guiding us in our work. We truly felt we were living, working, and creating with purpose.
The biggest takeaway for me has been the coming together of community. This experience highlighted the importance of our roles as artists and creatives in curating safe spaces for our communities. By doing so, we allow the magic to unfold naturally. This was collaboration in its purest form, where visions—even dreams—were brought to life.
Reflections from Neelam
During the sharing circle on the first day of the pop up I shared the story behind a special object: My wedding blouse. An item that I wore on the most special day of my life, when I married my love, we walked round the fire, and made vows and promises to each other. Little did I know at that time what life was to bring. I found myself wearing this same blouse again 5 years later when my whole world was turned upside down. An object that was with me at my happiest, became my armour at my darkest. And so I shared this piece during our sharing circle, a symbol of the strength I hold within, my feminine divinity, in this bold and beautiful vibrant red.
That moment, to share in front of strangers was truly freeing. There were so many emotions, so many tears, but a deep sense of community, sisterhood and belonging with my peers in this circle. And through the rest of the afternoon we listened, encouraged and supported others as they openly shared their own stories too, the true power of stories bringing communities together. This sense of openness, vulnerability and togetherness continued through the three days and really set the tone for the weekend.
If I can take anything away from the three days, it has to be a deep sense of pride in co-creating a safe space with Anisha where people felt seen and heard to share their own stories, get creative with no judgement and share their own talents and skills through their beautiful product offerings. And from the feedback we received, it honestly gives me tingles, I feel so excited for what is to come in the future!
Reflections from our Community
‘This experience was awesome. A safe space to share stories and hear people’s views and experiences. I’m leaving with peacefulness, divine femininity and togetherness’
‘I’m leaving with extra love, sweet hope and admiration.’
‘I loved my experience today. To be surrounded by like-minded people and such joy was inspiring. I feel calm and wholesome. Thank you for providing a space for creative output. I’m leaving with a renewed sense of creative freedom and joy, an appreciation for divine feminine energy, completeness – my soul is healed’.
‘Loved the Pop Up and Anisha and Neelam created such a great vibe for a newbie stallholder. Thank you!’
‘Thank you Neelam and Anisha for creating a safe, beautiful space centred in our shared cultures. And that you for bringing your authentic selves. I’m leaving knowing I want to find more time for creativity, to break out of just wearing black, and inject more of my identity into my day to day.
The Future
We had resounding feedback that everyone wanted more from Adorned Narratives! We are still shaping what that looks like so stay tuned to hear more from us soon.
You can find further information about Adorned Narratives including our collaborators and values by visiting the website here and further events I am hosting can be found here.
Much Love,
Neelam & Anisha
