Joyita Ghose: The Resilience of Color

For Joyita Ghose, painting on silk is more than a craft—it was a lifeline. At age 23, a near-death experience left her bedridden and facing a long, uncertain recovery. To pull her mind away from the "dreary existence" of hospital stays, her mother placed brushes, paints and fabric in her hands. In the vibrant flow of the dyes, Joyita found her healing and her calling. Today, as the founder of POSHAQ, she creates "functional wearable art" from her studio in the San Francisco Bay Area, proving that art has the power to revive the spirit.

A Self-Taught Soul with Formal Mastery

Though Joyita began as a self-taught artist—doodling in the margins of her childhood books in India—her recovery sparked a lifelong commitment to design. She went on to receive formal training in Fashion Design at West Valley College and the Brighton College of Technology, UK, later earning a degree in Graphic Arts from UCSC extension. This blend of raw intuition and technical expertise defines the POSHAQ aesthetic: a rhythm of brush, dye, and fabric that is unparalleled in any other medium. It was in Brighton that she discovered the unpredictable magic of silk painting. She became fascinated by the "unforgiving" nature of the medium—the delicate dance between the dye, the weather, and the steaming process. By learning to let the dye flow, Joyita discovered that the most beautiful stories are often the ones she cannot fully control.

The POSHAQ Aesthetic: Nature & Folk art

Joyita’s designs are deeply personal "color stories" inspired by the intricate patterns of nature—flowers, butterflies, and clouds—and the ancient folk art of India, Africa, and South America. For Joyita, inspiration is everywhere. Her unusual color palettes and intricate patterns are born from a life lived with open eyes: the architectural murals of a Brighton train station, the "burnt cheese" hues of a pizza, or the rugged texture of a California redwood. Every piece is an individual creation. Using high-quality, wrinkle-resistant silk, gutta resist, silk dyes, and a professional twelve-hour steaming process, she ensures her vibrant pigments are permanent and washable.

From Museum Galleries to the Red Carpet

Since 2005, POSHAQ has become a staple for women who want to feel special, different, and comfortable. Her multifunctional designs—ranging from scarves and ponchos to kimono blouses—are crafted to flatter every woman, including a dedicated focus on plus sizes.

Her work is recognized at the highest levels of American art and culture:

• Museum Presence: Featured in the Getty Museum, the De Young Museum, Asian Art Museum and the Legion of Honor gift stores.

• Red Carpet: Worn at the Emmys and Oscars, including a poignant moment in 2014 when Mickey Rooney wore a POSHAQ tie to a Vanity Fair event for his final Hollywood appearance.

• National Reach: A featured artist in the Uno Alla Volta catalog for over seven years.

One-of-a-Kind, Made in America

In a world of mass production, Joyita remains committed to the unique. Whether it’s an executive wearing a scarf to a boardroom or a traveler packing a poncho for a cruise, every POSHAQ piece carries the assurance of being a one-of-a-kind original. Proudly "Made in America," Joyita’s work continues to be a celebration of life, color, and the "accidental" path that led her to her true passion.

Joyita is currently the Chairman of the Milpitas Arts Commission and is very involved in getting new murals, sculptures into the city to capture the diverse nature of Milpitas.