Zenobia Davar

Zenobia has been fascinated with hand embroidery since her childhood, and confesses that it was to a point of being 'obsessed' by it! Seeing this, her husband and mother-in-law encouraged her to take up designing as a profession.

She launched 'ZS Embroidery' in 2001, and is today recognised as one of the most genuine and gifted designers, specialising in this art. What's most commendable is the fact that she deals and promotes only and only authentic  hand embroidered garas and always tries to fit in her client's budget. As the art of authentic hand embroidered garas is a dying art, these authentic hand embroidered garas are ideal heirlooms that can be passed on for generations. Therefore it's always wiser to invest in a genuine piece, as their value keeps appreciating like in jewellery.

A commerce Graduate with a Secretarial background, she joined a three year diploma course in Fashion and Garment Manufacturing at Sophia Polytechnic. She specialises in all forms of embroidery and caters to all walks of life, right from just born to adults. She creates authentic hand embroidered gara saris, bridal wear, embroidered blouses, and undertakes embroidery as well as stitching orders for Navjote dresses, party wear, children wear,embroidered daglas and daglis for men. Embroidered frames, prayer caps, cushion covers, corporate gifts etc.

She has been teaching students from various colleges the art of different forms of embroidery. She has had students from Symbiosis Institute Pune, who learnt the art of gara embroidery, and got their garments embroidered for the fashion show, in which the art was much appreciated, and even managed to get 1st position.

In March 2011, Zenobia was approached by Ms. Priya Krishnaswamy, who wanted to make a film based on Gara embroidery to promote the dying art. The film "Gangoobai" was produced by NFDC. They loved her collection of authentic hand embroidered gara saris and she even assisted them by providing them with twenty five gara garments. The entire movie revolves around the Gara Sari and the fashion show in the film was choreographed by Achala Sachdev. "Gangoobai" was released on 11th January 2013.

In May 2011, she had the privilege of curating the garments and accessories at the estate of late Dr. Jamshed J. Bhabha and Dr. Homi J. Bhabha.

She also had the privilege of contributing some of her antique collections towards the embroidered textile section in the exhibition, "Across Oceans and Flowing Silks, from Canton to Bombay 18th to 20th centuries" held at the NGMA from 26th December 2014 to February 13th 2014 which was organised and curated by Mrs. Pheroza J. Godrej  and Mrs. Firoza Punthakey Mistree.

Zenobia is a member of the Cherie Blair Foundation for Women, which fosters entrepreneurship; helping women from all over the world connect through this Forum. Accordingly on July 15th, 2014, she hosted Mrs. Cherie Blair, along with her personal assistant, chief executive officer and other staff members of her Foundation. Mrs. Blair, loved her creations and while going through her work, she observed that the back of the embroidery looked as good as the front, which is the real test of good workmanship. Mrs. Blair described the work as being "incredible". She presented Zenobia with a personally signed biography and a momento in the form of a china plate of London. Zenobia in turn presented an embroidered frame, prepared specially for her which now holds the pride of place in her office back, in London. Mrs. Blair even took another frame which has since been presented to the British Consul General of India.

Zenobia held a Fashion show and an exhibition at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Dubai from 19th to 21st December 2014.

She has been in this field for over a decade and really enjoys her work. She would even love to pass on the art by teaching children as well as interested people from all walks of life. She believes in being innovative and creating masterpieces that are unique.

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