I am so excited to launch our very first artist collaboration as part of the Winter 25 collection.

Mokshini is a multi-disciplinary artist whose creative output ranges from painting, concept sketching, editorial collaborations, and textile design.

I was introduced to Mokshini on a trip to New York in October 2023, through our mutual friend Briar. I instantly wanted to collaborate.

Through her signature witty, yet sophisticated take on daily life, Mokshini has thoughtfully depicted one my favourite things about India - the way locals travel.

Three women on a motorbike, saree's blowing in the wind. One holds a bowl of fruit while the other throws her head back enjoying the ride.

Mokshini shares with us about finding her style, working for Vogue Magazine and how each artistic form satisfies different creative cravings.

Photographed by Grace Watson.

Tell us a little bit about yourself and how you ended up as an artist living in New York City?

I’m Mokshini—artist, storyteller, and professional people-watcher. I studied Fashion Design for my BA and Art Design for my Master’s. Ever since I can remember, New York has been an obsession—a place of endless possibility. In college, I watched a documentary about Andy Warhol and was struck by his early days as a fashion illustrator in the Big Apple, knocking on the doors of major fashion magazines. That’s when I thought, “I NEED to make New York happen!”

Did it take you a while to find your style/aesthetic or did this come naturally to you?

My style has gone through many phases and continues to evolve. The deeper I get to know myself, the clearer my voice becomes. At the core—buried in years of doodles and sketchbooks—I’ve found that my work is about relatability and joy. It’s about capturing those small, fleeting moments between people that often go unnoticed. In the end, style is just one part of the equation. What matters most to me is the message—and no matter the medium or form, that’s what I strive to communicate.

You started off with hand illustrations and in more recent years, have added pottery to your resume. Can you tell us a bit about the different mediums you work with? Do you have a favorite?

I see myself as a creative- I try not to define myself too much. So no real favorite—they all satisfy different cravings. Hand drawing will always feel like home, but I love exploring textile design, painting, and of course, ceramics through Moklé Studio, which I run with my partner, Moses Starr. 

Moklé came about really organically. I was drawn to working on a three-dimensional surface and creating functional pieces that still hold a story. It’s also given me the freedom to experiment with styles outside of my usual aesthetic, which has been super liberating.

You have worked with The New Yorker, Vogue Magazine, Harper's Bazaar, Rizzoli Books (just to name a few) and more recently done the illustrations for a children's book. Each client has different needs and requirements. This extensive list highlights what an incredible chameleon you are. How do you adapt with each collaboration and do you find this challenging and/or stressful?

I approach each project like a conversation—first, I listen, then respond in my own visual language. At the end of the day, the type of client doesn’t matter. They come to you because you have a clear point of view. It's been a journey finding the balance between art and commerce, but I believe I've found a sweet spot where my style resonates with a wide range of brands. And honestly, I enjoy the challenge of interpreting, visualizing, and executing their needs—it keeps me excited.

Many of your works have a humorous take on everyday life - witty is how you describe it. How did you conclude that this was the style you wanted to portray?

It wasn’t really a decision—humor is just how I process and see the world. It naturally shows up in my work because it’s how I make sense of things. I enjoy sarcasm, dry humor, and irony—my personality is a bit like that too. For me, drawing joyful, humorous moments when I’m feeling low is a powerful practice—it reminds me to keep choosing light, even when it’s hard.

There is a misconception that ideas come quick and easy for creatives (which couldn't be further from the truth). How do you stay inspired and allow yourself time to be creative?

I remind myself to play! When I feel stuck or stagnant, I take myself out of the loop—out of the usual materials, subjects, or routines. Sometimes it’s as simple as using a new pencil, limiting my tools, or sketching with friends. I’ve painted blindfolded to music, used a broom as a brush—anything to shake things up.

Other times, the best thing I can do is not sketch. Just slow down, people-watch, and collect information. Creativity can’t be forced. It shows up when I’m curious, not when I’m chasing it. I don’t stress out anymore when the ideas aren’t flowing. That ugly, grey zone of frustration and bad/no ideas is part of the process—and usually where something new is brewing.

Originally from Sri Lanka, grew up in New Zealand and now living in New York. How have these 3 vastly different cultures influenced your work?

Being a blend of cultures has sparked a lot of reflection around my identity. Because I don’t fit into one box, it’s given me freedom to explore myself through my art. My surroundings shape me deeply. When I’m in Sri Lanka, my work turns lush and green. In New York, it’s gritty and urban. New Zealand has me painting wide, quiet landscapes. Each place draws out a different curiosity, a different part of me.

Finally, what advice would you give to an aspiring artist who is wanting to follow their dreams?

Take that white canvas—and mess it up! Make bad art. Let go of what it’s supposed to look like. That freedom is where the good stuff lives. 

Mokshini wears:

- Screen printed t-shirt styled with Sita Skirt in black
- Rufus Shirt in red/black gingham styled with the Jeba Shorts in ivory