Tea bags, seeds used in gowns, resort wear

Designs showcased by JD Institute of Fashion Technology highlight upcycling and sustainable fashion.

In the age of sustainable fashion, we have heard of unique things that designers take inspiration from to make their collection eco-friendly. In a similar attempt, the students of JD Institute of Fashion Technology showcased three different kinds of designs that speak largely about reuse, recycle and sustainability at the on-going Bengaluru ByDesign festival (BBD).

‘Hyaline Motley’, a resort wear collection is created using discarded tea bags, which are hand-stitched to make beach coverups, kaftans and dresses. This collection is a play with transparency.

The ‘Vastus Sero’ is the second collection which is primarily made using the left-over fabrics brought from local boutiques and tailors. The seamless patchwork of these left-over fabrics is then put together and used on the hemline, sleeves or as a trail of a dress.

The last collection, ‘Floranimar’, is one of the most innovative creations that vouch to make a change. The designer has inserted seeds while weaving to create the fabric. One can detach parts of the outfit and bury it, which will grow into plants. The idea behind this is giving back to nature.

Talking to Metrolife about these unique creations, Varun George, branding and communications, JD Institute says, “This collection was part of the annual awards this year, where the theme was called ‘Change’. Students tied up with Café Coffee Day and collected used tea bags for the ‘Hyaline Motley’ collection that implies recycle and reuse. In the same way, with an aim to create zero-wastage, garments in the ‘Vastus Sero’ collection were made using the left-over fabrics. The use of organic silk and implantation of seeds in the ‘Floranimar’ collection allows the garment to decompose in a short time and grow into a plant.”

The institute plans to showcase these designs in fashion shows. In fact, these young designers are being approached by other brands to buy the designs. “We are always looking for events like this to talk to people about sustainable and responsible fashion,” sums up Varun.