Sustainable Fashion – Top 6 upcycled and recycled Indian fashion brands

For the GenZ, fashion is not just about looking good but also about doing good. Consumers are increasingly seeking sustainable, organic, and environmentally friendly products as the global population grows more conscious of the effects of human actions on the environment. As a consequence, fashion brands are considering sustainability as a crucial component of staying viable. They now understand that it is more than simply an ethical issue. Sustainable fashion is the newest trend in this domain as the fashion industry moves closer to ethical production and consumption. As part of this trend, apparel manufacturers are implementing environmentally friendly and sustainable production methods into their operations, such as recycling and upcycling, to lessen the industry’s harmful environmental effects.

Upcycling is the process of modernizing old fabrics or clothes into new ensembles, while recycling involves deconstructing materials before repurposing them. The primary difference between the two is that upcycling entails using whole pieces of existing garments. Both approaches towards sustainable fashion are very environmentally friendly because they significantly lessen the amount of waste that is dumped in landfills, which ultimately results in a reduction in the pollution and carbon emissions brought on by the manufacture of new clothing.

India, endowed with a rich textile heritage and talented craftsmen is the home of several upcycled and recycled fashion firms that personify sustainable fashion. The country has fostered a developing sustainable fashion sector that supports ethical business conduct, fair trade, and environmental protection. Indian fashion companies are leading the way in improving sustainable fashion, which benefits the environment.

Here are 6 incredible Indian fashion brands that are acing the upcycling game.

• Ka-Sha

Ka-Sha, an Indian sustainable fashion brand established by Karishma Shahani in 2011, is renowned for its fusion of traditional Indian textiles and handicraft techniques with modern designs to curate exceptional and contemporary garments, accessories, and home decor collections. The brand’s philosophy revolves around sustainability, ethical practices, and social responsibility, all the while being fashion-forward and current. Ka-Sha’s focus is on advocating for conscious consumerism and creating a positive impact on society and the environment. Their approach to zero-waste design techniques, where the brand strives to utilize every bit of fabric to reduce wastage, is one of their unique selling propositions. Additionally, Ka-Sha emphasizes the preservation of India’s rich cultural heritage by working closely with traditional artisans and craftspeople to promote their skills and techniques.

• Doodlage

Doodlage, a visionary Indian sustainable fashion brand, was established in April 2012 by the dynamic duo of Kriti Tula and Paras Arora. The huge volumes of textile waste generated by the fashion industry inspired the Doodlage founders to set up the company. The fashion concept of Doodlage is to provide eco-friendly clothing that is both in vogue and practical. By cleverly upcycling and reusing textile waste into stylish and modern apparel, the brand’s main goal is to lower the worrisome amounts of fashion waste. Doodlage takes pride in producing eco-friendly goods using deadstock fabric, recycled polyester, and organic cotton. The brand offers a broad selection of coats, shirts, skirts, trousers and purses as well as men’s and women’s apparel and accessories. The brand is motivated by a goal to make the fashion business more sustainable and low-impact on the environment. Sustainable designs and materials used by this company have garnered it not just acclaim in India but also on a global scale.

• B Label

B Label is a sustainable Indian fashion brand founded by Alisha Sachdev in 2015. The aim of the business is to provide eco-friendly clothing made from organic cotton, natural fibres, and handloom textiles that are designed in-house and produced in collaboration with weavers and craftsmen all across India. The brand’s inspiration comes from a desire to provide beautiful, sustainable apparel that is also eco-friendly. B Label aspires to create fashions that are contemporary and sturdy by fusing conventional materials and methods with new patterns. The brand’s goal is to promote slow fashion and to get customers to think about how their purchases will affect the environment and society. B Label stands out for its dedication to creating fashionable, ethically and sustainably created clothing that is also trendsetting and appealing. The blend of conventional techniques and modern aesthetics gives B Label its unique and alluring appeal, setting it apart from other sustainable fashion companies.

• The Terra Tribe

The Terra Tribe, a sustainable fashion brand founded by Charmee Ambavat in 2020, is committed to eco-friendly practices and employs organic and sustainable materials such as bamboo, linen, and cotton to create its range of clothing and accessories, which includes dresses, tops, pants, and bags. The name “Terra Tribe” embodies the brand’s mission to promote sustainable living and build a community dedicated to protecting the planet. The idea behind the Terra Tribe was to provide fashionable, cosy, and environmentally sustainable apparel as an alternative to fast fashion. Every stage of the production process reflects the brand’s dedication to ethical and environmentally conscious practices. The focus on producing versatile and comfortable apparel that can be worn in both informal and formal settings is the Terra Tribe’s Differentiator. Customers may also choose customization from the brand, allowing them to alter their attire to suit their preferences.

• Grandma Would Approve

Grandma Would Approve is a novel Indian sustainable fashionestablished in 2021 by Priyanka Muniyappa and Anugrah Samuel Phillips. In order to create clothes that are timeless, cosy, and sustainable, the brand’s founders looked to the old ways of clothing manufacture, where the garments were built to last and could be handed down through generations. The brand’s fundamental values centre on providing ethical and ecological clothing made from natural materials and eco-friendly hues. They encourage clients to invest in classic pieces that are built to last in order to stand for quality above quantity. Among the many items available from Grandma Would Approve are dresses, blouses, coats, trousers, and accessories like purses and scarves.

Fashion and sustainability exist in tandem, and mindful customers who are aware of how human behaviour affects the environment are placing more and more emphasis on sustainable fashion. With their creative thinking and cutting-edge methods, Indian fashion firms have taken the lead in developing upcycled and recycled fashion brands that not only support ethical business practices but also place a strong emphasis on environmental conservation. As a result, they have made substantial contributions to the sustainable fashion movement. The Indian fashion sector is expected to continue to set the pace in this area as more customers begin to place a higher priority on eco-friendly and sustainable goods.