Sustainable, ethical, eco-conscious, are no longer just words but have transformed into what we call fashion today.

Spring Summer 2020 gave us a whole macro trend of Climate Change. With designers showcasing their take on recycling, reusing and upcycling, it was about saving our environment. And more than that, it was about leaving a better world for our future generations, than just stories!

While Vivienne Westwood’s quote of – ‘Buy Less, Make it Last’ echoed through, her collection included squiggly prints & mishmash shirting made from leftovers fabrics. Tiziano Guardini showcased his Atlantis inspiration with wavy patterns in cruelty-free silk and impressions of the sea.  On the other hand, Marine Serre incorporated recycled plastic for her theme. From accessories to clothes, everything was recycled.

While all the ramps had a thing to say and contribute, we too were inspired to take a stand! So here we are sitting down with our designer to understand her point of view and what inspiration lay behind her collection:

#1. What are sustainable materials exactly?

Sustainable materials are those materials which are biodegradable in nature. These are durable, reusable and recycled materials which don’t contribute to the pollution or increase the carbon footprint that we leave behind. Lyocell, organic cotton and organic linen are also a part of eco-conscious clothing.

The Spring-Summer season sustainable fabrics were all on the ramps. From Raffia, Jute, cruelty-free Silk to refurbished and recycled materials, the fashion ramps had it all. Not just that, old collections from the archives, deadstock fabrics and leftovers, also proved to be the showstoppers.

#2. What does it mean for fashion in the future?

Fashion for the future is due for a change. Sustainability is going to be the next big thing with people rethinking the way they currently buy. The concept of fast fashion, throw away style, the entire idea of use and throw is about to change.

Climate change became a whole lot real too, this season. With global warming, changing economy and let’s not forget this pandemic, we’re all questioning everything at this point of time. The ozone managed to mix itself in this time, doesn’t that mean change is necessary?

What’s the new way forward? Slow fashion. While designers have been talking about this extensively, it is slowly making people think. Lesser products, long-lasting products and quality are what will matter. People are going to look for an emotional connect with everything they buy. The handwoven, handcrafted, homegrown, local brew is not going to be just words, but things that matter in the coming future.

#3. What did you think your collection should depict while working with this trend?

While working with this trend, one thing was very clear in my mind – Minimal wastage. The concepts I designed were about giving this collection a raw vibe and keeping it simple. It was important to showcase that concept and use biodegradable materials, empower artisans and are pollution-free. And since it’s about gold, I wanted to use manufacturing processes, as minimally as possible.

#4. And how does the final jewellery depict the trend?

Combining all the factors I had in mind and staying true to the trend, my collection represented conservation of environment. It was a message to people who adore fashion and jewellery that they need to be more mindful towards our mother Earth and to buy with a thought.

I wanted to show that it’s crucial to choose the environment over everything else. To depict this, I added engravings of birds and plants, to showcase that our future need not have only impressions, but is there to enjoy.

#5. Any suggestion for Gen Y & Gen Z?

The cycle of fashion is changing – fast. So what I would suggest is that we all keep in mind that recycling is necessary. Sustainability is necessary. We need to make wiser choices that don’t harm the environment by using too many resources. Our decisions should be more conscious and supporting homegrown, handicrafts and overall good quality products.

Check out our Eco-Conscious Collection here!