Are Indian brides forgetting the rich history of Indian weaves and crafts and falling for synthetic, unsustainable wedding wear? How are Bollywood celebrities and mainstream fashion designers responsible for this shift, which adversely affects the sector of heritage art?
Indian designer Rahul Mishra captivated audiences at Paris Fashion Week with his latest Spring 2025 collection, The Pale Blue Dot, inspired by astronomer Carl Sagan’s iconic reflection on humanity’s place in the cosmos. Through intricate craftsmanship and a dramatic lens on sustainability, the collection serves as a powerful reminder that while we may seem significant, we are merely a speck in the vast universe. The real impact of our actions isn’t on the cosmos—it’s on ourselves. Mishra’s designs challenge us to rethink our delusions of grandeur and recognize that protecting and sustaining nature is not just a choice but a necessity. The piece celebrates our cities, their iconic character, spirit synced in heritage, the monuments, the buildings and other structures - a reminder that the way we are consuming, life will not be sustainable. The cities of the future will have structures that redefine us - a moment to rethink how we want to move and how we want to be. The collection juxtaposes stark contrasts of human impact through a palette of black, symbolizing despair and the scars inflicted upon the Earth. And gold represents mother nature’s taking control and resetting the balance of our fragile ecosystem.
The fashion industry stands at a crossroads, with its undeniable environmental and social impact, brands, consumers, and policymakers alike are seeking best practices and innovations to make fashion more sustainable. In the midst of this transformation, innovators like Akhil Sivanandan, CEO and co-founder of Green Story, are leading the charge.
Research indicates that first impressions matter, in a study conducted by Princeton psychologists J Willis and A. Todorov, it was highlighted that people form first impressions within 1/10th of a second based just on appearances. This says a lot about why emphasis is placed on what we wear, our body language and our mannerisms. To support the topic, another study by Harvard Business School in 2014 found individuals to be more successful than those who dressed in a more polished manner, and also to be perceived as more intelligent and deserving of the job portfolio. This is about how impressions are made on others from job interviewers to colleagues to our circle of influence. But what if we tell you that fashion, dressing, and personal grooming also profoundly impact the self – research by Northwestern University introduced the term ‘Enclosed Cognition’ suggests what we wear affects our psychology – meaning appropriate dressing offers us boosted confidence and strength.
Bags, often viewed as a functional item or a statement piece play a surprisingly significant role in a woman's life, resonating with her individuality, confidence, and persona. This nuanced narrative is beautifully illustrated by RASHKI, a bag brand that has captured the hearts of over 35,000 customers. Founded in 2018 by Rahul Jain, Shivani Popat, and Rustam Chaudhary, RASHKI set out to provide women with a solution that combines quality, comfort, and style, catering to the modern woman who refuses to compromise on her aspirations, values, and lifestyle.
In the fashion world, we all have seen trends come and go, and fast fashion dominating the industry; but the hope is the growing movement that's challenging the status quo. Slow fashion, sustainable fashion, and conscious consumerism are becoming increasingly important, as consumers begin to realize the environmental and social impact of their purchases. At the heart of this movement is the criticality of understanding the design process, the value of handmade, artisanal clothing, and the impact that our choices have on the planet and people.
In recent years, the Indian footwear market has witnessed a significant shift towards sustainability. As per Maximize Market Research and Future Market Insights, the key trends in footwear are sustainable materials, comfort-focused designs, and eco-friendly innovations. Indian consumers are becoming increasingly eco-conscious, driving the demand for sustainable materials like recycled plastics, organic cotton, and biodegradable substances. With growing awareness about foot health, consumers are opting for comfort-focused designs, such as ergonomic shoes and sneakers.
We live in a world that finds comfort in following the norms, but Swati Mehrotra is an entrepreneur who dares to challenge the status quo. Swati is passionate about footwear design and committed to sustainability. She founded her footwear brand, Swatimodo, in 2008, modernizing the Indian footwear industry with her bespoke, handmade creations in a sustainable way.
Meet the Founder - Shilpi Datta Som
Shilpi Datta Som is a climate entrepreneur and sustainable fashion innovator, best known as the founder and design lead of Many Frocks, a sustainable kidswear brand. With a passion for reducing waste and promoting eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry, Shilpi has been recognized as a leading voice in sustainable kids' fashion. Shilpi began at the age of eight when she started designing kids' clothing using deadstock fabric – luxury fabrics in good condition or almost not used at all that may end up in landfills. After completing her MBA, Shilpi worked in the banking and insurance sectors before launching Many Frocks in 2015 with an initial investment of just a few thousand.
Swikruti Pradhan, a fashion designer, researcher, and founder of Rustic Hue, has committed her career to preserving India’s rich textile heritage. From her early fascination with Odisha’s handloom traditions to her research on cultural sustainability, she has become an advocate for slow fashion and traditional crafts. Swikruti Pradhan has received several prestigious awards, including the SustainableNXT Awards 2024 for Social Champion of the Year, SustainableNXT Awards 2023 for Maximum Impact on Community, and India's Best Design Project 2022 for Textile Design, recognizing her outstanding work in promoting sustainable fashion and traditional Indian textiles. In this exclusive interview, Swikruti shares her journey, insights, and the challenges of reviving age-old techniques in today’s fast-paced fashion industry.
