Tailoring sustainability
In the post-Covid-19 world, traditional linear fashion model — shop, wear, dispose — is expected to diminish as it has become harder to rationalise investing in a temporary wardrobe. Hence, long-lasting, versatile and trans-seasonal fashion will now be in greater focus. “After this crisis, we are extensively using fabric linings, waste material from printing units, waste furnishings and even airbags to come up with accessories and decorations,” says designer Shruti Sancheti, who is now working on size flexibility. “Flexible sizing chart will reduce returns or discarding,” she adds.
Meanwhile, designer Urvashi Kaur has been making small batch productions to reduce surplus merchandise. “I’m looking to introduce natural pigments for hand block prints and use natural dyes to reduce carbon footprint,” adds Kaur.
Keeping in sync with the times, experts also recommend keeping it simple while making face masks, and opting for biodegradable materials. “My focus will remain on handloom textiles and indigenous embroideries of India. I don’t plan to use sequins or other artificial materials,” shares designer Payal Jain. Even designer Nikita Mhaisalkar is making masks out of scraps from hemp and bamboo handloom manufacturers. “We will maximise the use of natural beads, raffia and cotton-based raw materials, and push for zero use of plastic in packing,” she says. Bhaane, headed by creative director Nimish Shah will repurpose raw materials and textiles for their summer collection.