"I designed the cannisters (for Seagram’s 100 Pipers whisky) with the sea world theme (with) turtles, twin lobsters, octopus, fish and seahorses,” couturier Zenobia Davar told Parsiana on March 4, 2021. "Turtles, for instance, are a symbol of longevity, wisdom, knowledge and creativity…. twin lobsters symbolize emotional growth, transformation and rejuvenation,” the designer of saris and apparel with gara motifs stated. Davar was invited with four other Indian artists to provide designs from Indian textiles for the Canadian liquor company under the company’s "Legacy Project of Seagram’s 100 Pipers.” "I also made a rectangular embroidered frame and embroidered pocket squares for promotion,” she added.
Zenobia Davar (inset) with cannister designed by her
"I have created a scene that resides underwater. Marine life is shown in full bloom (sic) with all creatures living in peace, harmony and most importantly without any pollution. That is the meaning of goodness…. living in harmony,” Davar wrote to Parsiana.
The other arts represented in the range of packaging are phulkari, the folk embroidery from Punjab, kalamkari blockprints from Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, the Bengal weave, and the Maheshwari weave from Madhya Pradesh. As states the Project website, "There are numerous art forms in India that are on the verge of being forgotten. The Project is a venture to bring these dying art forms back into the spotlight. It provides a platform to artists and their art and showcases them to the world. An initiative that springs from the very philosophy of the brand – ‘Be Remembered For Good’… These pieces are… reflections of the artist’s version of what goodness means to them.”
Davar told us the design took around six months right from the conceptualization of the idea till the execution. She acknowledged the role of veteran journalist Bachi Karkaria in providing connections to the company.