In South India, gold isn’t just a metal — it's an integral part of our identity; woven into the fabric of our culture and everyday life. From finding baby anklets we wore among our mothers' things to being gifted tiny gold chains to being lovingly called, "thankam" or "ponnu" in Tamil and Malayalam, respectively, it’s impossible to escape the glow of gold.
As a child, I hated wearing gold. It felt heavy, old-fashioned, and, honestly, a bit too much. I leaned into my tom-boyishness as a child, and was a Tumblr-girl during my teens. I went from dressing like one of the boys to wearing owl necklaces and foundation shades that were too light, but eventually, I’ve come to love gold in ways I never expected. Gold, in its many forms, has evolved for me, becoming a symbol not of restriction but of empowerment, connection, and expression. And it is through this personal transformation that I look at Kanmani's creative direction in her photoseries 'GIRL (god) DINNER!'
While the series itself inspired me, it was a story she put up a few days later of how her amma and appa got her a ‘kolussu’ (anklet) that truly made me want to speak at length with her about the project. I could understand from that little story and the joy she expressed at the gift that her relationship with gold runs pretty deep.
Kanmani, as a stylist and a creative force to be reckoned with, often embraces a maximalist aesthetic. Even in her commercial work, like the project she did for Erode Clothing, gold elements become part of the narrative and it is not just presented as being a tradition. Rather, it is reimagined, modernized, and placed at the forefront of a conversation about femininity, identity, and heritage. Through this series, Kanmani brought her personal connection to gold into the spotlight, elevating to the point where it wasn't just an accessory, but a celebration of the divine feminine energy.
Kanmani shared her perspective with me, offering a glimpse into the cultural and personal significance of gold.
“In Tamil culture, our connection to gold starts early, like the first tiny gold chain I got as a baby as my welcome gift. Gold is there for every major milestone — birthdays, puberty ceremonies, and weddings. It’s more than just jewellery; it’s a piece of heritage, a symbol of love and prosperity passed down through generations."Kanmani, Stylist & Creative Director
But she went on to share, "For me, wearing gold as an adult feels different— it’s like stepping into something divine. When I put on gold, it glows beautifully against my dusky skin, making me feel like I’m stepping into my goddess energy. I feel like gold on women is timeless — a story told in dust and gold! It’s a silent power, and it helps in decorating and fueling my feminine side.”
Kanmani’s photoseries reflects this power. Each image or video feels like a modern reinterpretation of traditional South Indian beauty, where gold is central — not just as an accessory but as a transformative force. The striking use of gold tones: the golden eye makeup, nail polish and the dusting of golden eyeshadow/glitter on her fingers throughout the visuals contrasts with her bare dusky skin. Creating a look that speaks both to the past and the present. It's an exploration of gold’s timeless allure, paired with the edge of a modern woman embracing her divine strength.
Her work felt like an invitation to reflect on how we view gold today. It’s no longer just something we wear because we must. It’s something we wear because we choose to, and in doing so, we reconnect with our heritage while reshaping what that heritage means in our lives. Kanmani has taken a piece of history and made it her own, reshaping the traditional perception of gold from a weighty obligation to a radiant, empowering symbol of feminine energy and strength.
The message of the project is clear: gold is not merely a relic of the past, it is a tool for personal and cultural reclamation. Through Kanmani’s work, an evolved take of her culture is presented, one where gold becomes more than just an adornment but a vital part of celebration and divinity in the South Indian context.
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