Designing the Future? Start with the Past
- Neha Suradkar
- Aug 9
- 4 min read
Updated: Aug 9
Neha Suradkar
Co- Founder of YOGEE Beauty & Wellness Pvt Ltd
Assistant Professor (Fashion History, Styling)
Fashion and Design Educator, Entrepreneur, Style Coach™ and Advocate of Timeless Thinking
“Why do we need to study history? We are designing for the future, not the past!”
As someone who teaches design history, I have heard this question more times than I can count. And my answer is always the same:
“Because if you don’t know where you have come from, how will you know where to go, or what to carry forward?”
In a world where change is constant and progress is the buzzword, looking back might feel counterintuitive.
But those who pause to understand the past (whether it is personal, cultural, or historical) are the ones who build with meaning, empathy, and wisdom.
Whether you are an entrepreneur launching a product, a parent raising thoughtful children, a corporate leader shaping a company culture, or a student navigating identity, your connection to the past can be your strongest foundation.
History Offers Patterns, Not Just Dates
From economic cycles to political movements, from innovation waves to social change, history shows us that human behaviour follows patterns.
The tools may change, but the motivations often remain the same.
Those who have studied past crises, such as the 1929 Depression, the Partition, or public health outbreaks, usually respond to today’s challenges with greater foresight and less panic. They understand context, they anticipate consequences.
History is not just about what happened. It is about why it happened.
And once you start seeing those “whys” and understand the context, you begin to make smarter, more ethical decisions, whether in business, public policy, or daily life.
Culture is Inherited Wisdom
History and culture are inseparable. Culture incorporates our customs, food, clothing, festivals, art, architecture, and values, which are passed down through generations.
It gives us a sense of belonging, identity, and a sense of place. Whether it is the way we greet each other, the fabrics we wear in summer, or the spices we use in our kitchens, these are not random choices.
They are shaped by centuries of lived experience in particular geographies, climates, and societies. Today, as the world becomes more global, cultural exchange is easier, but so is cultural appropriation.
Understanding Culture vs. Appropriating It
We live in an era when fashion, art, and media are borrowing aesthetics from around the world. And while this can be beautiful, it also comes with a responsibility.
Cultural appreciation is when we engage with elements of another culture with respect, research, and acknowledgement. It is when a designer, for example, studies the significance of tribal embroidery before using it in a collection, or credits the community that inspired a silhouette or motif.
Cultural appropriation, on the other hand, is when we use aspects of a culture, especially one that has been historically marginalised, without understanding its meaning, or turning it into a trend, without the context.
A recent example that sparked widespread debate was when luxury fashion brand Prada released a pair of slippers strikingly similar to Maharashtra’s traditional GI-tagged Kolhapuri chappals, priced at over ₹1.2 Lacs.
While fashion has long drawn inspiration from traditional crafts, this move was heavily criticised for being tone-deaf.
Why? Because there was no acknowledgement of the centuries-old artisans who make Kolhapuris by hand, often for a fraction of that price, and under economic hardship.
This incident reminded the world that borrowing cultural aesthetics without respecting or crediting their origins is not innovation.
It is appropriation! And it is precisely why we must understand the history and socio-cultural context behind what we use, wear, or sell.
Knowing the past and the cultural weight it carries is not just about being informed. It is about being respectful.
In a diverse community like ours, where people come together with different languages, traditions, and beliefs, this awareness fosters harmony. It allows us to celebrate differences without crossing boundaries.
Your Past is Your Power
Our personal histories shape our preferences, our decisions, and our values. Have you ever wondered why a particular festival evokes strong emotions, or why your grandmother's recipe brings comfort like no other? That is the power of memory and continuity.
In the corporate world, professionals who are familiar with the history of their industry tend to make better leaders. They understand evolution, legacy, and how to build on it.
In creative fields, designers and artists who understand historical references produce work that is layered, not just trendy.
Even in daily life, knowing your family history or local heritage helps you make more informed, intentional choices, be it buying handmade over mass-produced, supporting local artisans, or passing down traditions to your children.
Stories Connect Us All
History is made of stories. And stories are how we connect, not just to our ancestors, but to each other.
When a retired resident shares how the city looked 40 years ago, or a teenager interviews her grandmother about her wedding day traditions, it is not just nostalgia.
It is an exchange of perspective. It is how we learn empathy, respect, and resilience.
We don't preserve stories because they are old. We preserve them because they carry meaning.
As a diverse, intergenerational community, we can start honouring the past while designing a better future:
Story Circles: Organise gatherings where residents share personal or cultural stories. It could be about festivals, career milestones, migration, or even old hobbies that are disappearing.
Cultural Awareness Events: Host events where different communities showcase the origins and meanings of their traditions, not just their food or costumes.
Mentorship Across Ages: Pair seniors and youngsters, not just for academic mentoring, but also for sharing life stories, values, and skills that are not typically taught in classrooms.
We are all designers of the future, whether we are parenting, building businesses, writing code, designing clothes, or simply trying to live a life of purpose. And every design needs a reference, a foundation. History gives us that foundation. Culture gives it depth. Stories give it soul.
So do not dismiss the past as something dusty and irrelevant. See it as your toolkit, your inheritance, your mirror. To design wisely, live consciously, and lead empathetically, start by understanding what came before.
Know the past.
Honour the culture.
Design the future!
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