Close to nature

British fashion designer Vivienne Westwood once said, “Buy less. Choose well. Make it last. Quality, not quantity. Everybody’s buying far too many clothes.”

These words by one of the most noted designers stand especially true at a time when the fashion industry has been impacting the environment in a negative manner.

With another World Environment Day approaching, designers and fashionistas talk about responsible fashion and how sustainability in the industry is a growing philosophy.

“Sustainable fashion is no more just a trend, it is about a sensible choice made by an individual,” says designer Preeti Raja.

The founder of ‘The Revival Project’ adds, “I remember how my grandmother and mother used to wear clothes made only from natural fabrics like handloom cotton. It is only in the last 20 years that we, influenced greatly by the west, buy an outfit without thinking if that particular fabric is good for us or the environment.”

She adds, “But now that I am in this field, I have realised the difference and I constantly work towards using only eco-friendly fabrics like handloom cotton and silk.”

Though sustainable fashion is still a niche segment in India, she points out that there are people who are taking steps towards making sustainability a way of life. 

“It is important to spread awareness among youngsters as they are the ones who keep a close watch on fashion. Keeping them well informed can help the environment in a long run,” she says.

Many people equate eco-fashion to boring and drab clothing. This apart, affordability is another
factor for people to shy away.

Breaking this myth are three young designers from Bengaluru, Gowthami Shekharaiah, Rashmi Yadav and Radhika Vyas Lanjekar, diploma students of J D Institute of Fashion Technology. The trio, who worked on a collection called ‘Unblend’, used primarily natural and recycled yarn to make a fine fabric.

Saying that eco-friendly fashion has been through many changes, Gowthami adds, “We experimented with cotton cord, silk noil, recycled muslin and hibiscus yarn.”

The group made shorts, trousers and dresses out of this fabric and used embellishments of recycled glass. She says, “Sustainable fashion is coming into the fore as people are now more conscious about their environment. It is definitely a step forward.”

Agreeing to this, designer Preeti S Mahajan of ‘Mint n’ Oranges’ says that being aware  of the benefits of sustainable fashion is the need of the hour.

“Interesting campaigns to promote eco-fashion and creating awareness among people about the options to be stylish without damaging the environment is extremely important. Courses on sustainable fashion should be covered in colleges. This way, students will be environmentally and socially responsible and will also focus on their creativity.” says Preeti.