Sustainable fashion’s impact in India: fashion & lifestyle journalist Ruchika Raut chats about the importance of sustainable fashion and the launch of her fashion brand that is produced with sustainable materials.
Greetings from India! My heart always gets heavy and filled with mixed emotions whenever I make that statement.
India is unlike any other industrialized nation in the world. With 21 active languages and more than 31 cuisines to choose from – there is something for everyone in this culturally rich nation.
Living in a vast & culturally diverse country like India stimulates my senses and motivates my spirit.
Between the rich history and breathtaking myriad of landscapes, I’m always inspired to explore and dig deeper into the heart of the country – while learning to appreciate this beautiful unique land of vibrant colors and scenery.
Visit India
If you haven’t had the opportunity to visit India you’re really missing out! Especially if you are a Black, or Brown person – you would love it here! Get to know your Brown brothers & sisters. We have more in common than you think.
India, officially the Republic of India, is a country in South Asia. It is the second-most populous country in the world, the seventh-largest country by land area, and the most populous democracy in the world.
India is mainly known for the following:
- cricket
- it’s diverse culture
- Bollywood
- great festivals
- The Taj Mahal
- cool yoga
- great food
- it’s diverse heritage
What amazes most people about India is it’s symbolism, it’s history and how it all evolved.
The term “It’s all connected” stands very true in India. For centuries, people all around the world have been inspired by Indian culture. Traditions, passing on knowledge and the teaching of basic skills are all deeply rooted in the Indian culture.
Artisans
Also, the constant passing down of different unique crafts & skills since the bronze ages reflects a conscience and consistent effort made by each generation since the time of ancient India. In India we call these people artisans or craftsman.
There are over 7 million artisans specializing in this traditional craftwork that’s specific to the region.
During my journey and explorations, I was inspired by several designers and artisans who encouraged me to move towards the support of sustainable fashion. This inspired me to produce a sustainable fashion brand.
Sustainable Fashion’s Impact in India
As designers, we need to address the concerns surrounding sustainable fashion. We need to consider more responsible ways of designing.
This takes re-designing and re-thinking the design process systems to address these very valid concerns of environmental safety.
Becoming more fashionably conscience has also forced me to acknowledge and understand the responsibility that is imposed upon me to preserve and pass on the traditional crafts, skills and cultures to future generations so they can cherish them as well.
Handmade Fashion
Handmade fashion needs to make a comeback. Safe sustainable fashion should resonate around the world similarly to it’s effect in India.
The movement should be filled with true effort and emotion. Which would require merging traditions, community and cutting-edge safe sophisticated designs.
As a designer and student of fashion, I have decided to take the initiative. I am currently contributing to the advancement of sustainable and socially responsible design practices.
The Goal
I have already begun traveling to different parts of India to visit various tribes and craftsmen. My aim is to design a sustainable fashion collection that incorporates artisanal craft textiles.
The developing collection will represent the relationship between craftsmanships, luxury and sustainability.
Nowadays, it’s crucial to re-contextualize crafts in order to move forward responsibly and uphold the updated definitions of luxury and craftsmanship.
Which could be the first step to making sustainability the norm in fashion and craftsmanship.
True value of luxury design lies in the quality of the craft, the sustainability and the experience… not in the value of the product.
The collection I plan to release will feature contemporary designs by Ajrakh prints (vegetable prints) along with modern silhouettes.
Each piece will be produced with the use of sustainable materials and practices, which will enable the integration of traditional craft techniques.
My aim is to help advance the movement of sustainable fashion through the launch of my collection.
The intention is to excel beyond the mainstream market while simultaneously encouraging and strengthening the consumption of sustainable fashion along with traditional handcrafted items.
Making sustainable fashion’s impact in India a reality.
Credits
Written by Ruchika Raut
Photographer: Phil Halfmann
Creative Director: Sophia Lenore
Lead Wardrobe Stylist: Sophia Lenore
Lead Hair & Makeup: Sophia Lenore
Hair & Makeup: Joanne Charles
Wig Stylist: Taina Norell
Model: Lina Sylvestre
Jewelry by konplott
