10 Indian Fashion Designers Championing Sustainability (Updated List)

In the relentless pursuit of the latest trends, our closets have become revolving doors for fashion, ushering in a wave of discarded garments that contribute to the staggering pile of waste. Even in traditional households, the practice of saving clothing for future generations is fading away, as the relentless tide of new styles prevails. Not only do communities play a part in this cycle, but the fashion industry itself, particularly the fast-fashion giants, stands as a significant contributor to environmental degradation. Exploitative practices, low wages, and the rapid turnover of low-quality garments fuel a cycle of consumption with ethical consequences.

Woven intricately into this narrative is the influencer culture, amplifying the fast fashion dilemma. Influencers, often arbiters of trends, inadvertently perpetuate a culture that labels anyone caught wearing the same outfit twice as a fashion renegade. This fear of repetition not only fuels consumer demand but also contributes to the cycle of overconsumption and waste.

As shocking statistics reveal, the fashion industry has earned its dubious rank as the world's third-largest polluter, churning out 10% of global greenhouse gas emissions annually. An alarming 1.2 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide escape into the atmosphere, leaving an indelible mark on our planet. Yet, amidst this gloomy panorama, glimmers of hope emerge as some forward-thinking Indian fashion designers take the reins, striving to redefine the industry's narrative by championing sustainable practices and ethical consumption.

What is Sustainable Fashion?

Sustainable fashion is an ethos that prioritizes environmental and ethical considerations throughout the entire lifecycle of clothing. It encompasses eco-friendly materials, responsible production methods, and a commitment to fair labor practices. Unlike fast fashion's disposable nature, sustainable fashion seeks to minimize its ecological footprint by promoting longevity in design, encouraging consumers to invest in timeless pieces. 

From utilizing organic fabrics and recycled materials to implementing eco-conscious manufacturing processes, sustainable fashion aims to mitigate the environmental impact of the industry. Additionally, it champions transparency, ensuring consumers are informed about the sourcing, production, and ethical practices behind their garments. Embracing sustainable fashion aligns with a broader movement towards responsible consumption, fostering a harmonious balance between style, ethics, and the planet's well-being.

Why should you invest in sustainable designer pieces?

Investing in sustainable designer pieces is a conscious choice that transcends fleeting fashion trends. These pieces embody a commitment to ethical production, using eco-friendly materials and supporting fair labor practices. Unlike fast fashion items with short lifespans, sustainable designer pieces are crafted with longevity in mind, showcasing timeless designs that resist the whims of passing fads. 

Beyond personal style, choosing sustainability contributes to the broader environmental cause by reducing the fashion industry's ecological impact. By investing in these pieces, you align your wardrobe with values of responsibility, supporting brands that prioritize transparency and accountability. Sustainable designer pieces not only elevate your fashion aesthetic but also serve as a tangible investment in a more ethical and eco-conscious future, where style and sustainability coexist harmoniously.

10 Indian Fashion Designers Taking Sustainable Steps

Embarking on a transformative journey, Indian fashion designers are championing sustainability in style. In a conscious shift towards eco-friendly practices, these ten trailblazing designers are redefining the landscape, seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary, sustainable ethos. Join us in exploring the innovative strides they are taking to weave ethical fashion into the vibrant tapestry of India's design narrative.

1. Leesha Agarwal

At the forefront of sustainable fashion, Leesha Agarwal, the visionary behind Adah, has forged a path towards zero-waste and ethically-conscious handloom creations. Motivated by the environmental toll of fast fashion, Agarwal revolutionized her approach, sourcing every fabric directly from handloom weavers to ensure fair pay and eliminate exploitative middlemen. Adah's vibrant designs come to life through the use of colorful dyes and diverse fabrics.

Committed to minimizing environmental impact, Adah takes sustainability seriously. Fabric waste finds new life as recycled and upcycled accessories, from wallets to headbands. Every outfit crafted by Adah's skilled tailors is credited, fostering a culture of recognition for their invaluable contributions. From recycled tetra pack tags to plastic-free fabrics and packaging, Adah epitomizes a holistic and eco-conscious fashion philosophy.

2. Mahima Gujral

In the heart of New Delhi, Mahima Gujral's fashion venture, Sui, stands as a beacon for sustainable clothing. With a mission to combat the environmental impact of synthetic fibers, Sui opts for raw materials such as hemp and organic cotton, both durable and certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS). These choices not only ensure longevity but also align with eco-friendly principles.

Sui goes beyond material choices by employing herbal dyes, minimizing environmental harm and recycling wastewater from the dyeing process. Upcycling leftover fabric is a creative endeavor embraced by the brand, demonstrating a commitment to waste reduction. Sustainability extends to packaging, where recycled materials find new purpose.

The brand's commitment reaches further, collaborating with the non-profit organization Women Weave. This partnership not only supports a sustainable supply chain but also empowers women in handspun fabric production, promoting energy-efficient practices without the need for electricity. In every stitch, Sui weaves a narrative of green elegance and responsible fashion.

3. Kriti Tula

In the heart of New Delhi's eco-fashion landscape, Kriti Tula's brainchild, Doodlage, emerges as a transformative force in sustainable design. Renowned for her commitment to the United Nations sustainable development goals (SDGs), Tula and her team at Doodlage craft outfits and accessories through the innovative practice of recycling and upcycling fabric trash.

Taking a bold step away from traditional sourcing, Doodlage collects surplus defective and stained fabric scraps from textile manufacturers and garment factories. Transforming this discarded material, the brand breathes new life into fashion by creating accessories like notebooks, laptop bags, and wallets. The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the products themselves, as Doodlage forgoes plastic entirely, recycling waste into paper to produce eco-friendly packaging. Kriti Tula's Doodlage not only champions style but also redefines the very essence of sustainable fashion by turning fabric waste into expressions of creativity and conscientious design.

4. Priya Ahluwalia

A rising star since her graduation from the University of Westminster’s MA program in 2018, Priya Ahluwalia has swiftly ascended to prominence, earning the prestigious joint win of this year's LVMH Prize. This British menswear designer, with a rich heritage blending Indian and Nigerian roots, is reshaping the fashion landscape by seamlessly marrying sportswear-inspired designs with impeccable tailoring.

What sets Ahluwalia apart is her commitment to sustainability through the innovative use of repurposed vintage pieces and deadstock. Each creation tells a unique story, breathing new life into fashion by reimagining the past. Her SS21 collection, unveiled during London Fashion Week, stands as a testament to her ability to fuse heritage, sustainability, and contemporary design. Priya Ahluwalia is undeniably one to watch, weaving a narrative of cultural diversity and eco-conscious style that resonates on the global fashion stage.

5. Karishma Shahani

At the vanguard of upcycling, Karishma Shahani's label Ka-Sha, launched in 2011, stands as a testament to sustainable fashion innovation. Operating with a steadfast commitment to zero-wastage, Shahani transforms discarded materials into stunning pieces of wearable art.

From old vegetable sacks and rejected plastic bags crafting unique jackets, to breathing new life into traditional Banarasi saris, and fashioning denim jackets from forgotten jeans, Shahani's creative process is a celebration of resourcefulness. Every stitch tells a story of upcycling, a philosophy deeply embedded in Ka-Sha's DNA. Not stopping there, Shahani extends her sustainable ethos to signature pom poms, footwear, and scarves, all meticulously created from leftover fabric in her studio. Ka-Sha emerges as a beacon of elegance, proving that conscious fashion can seamlessly blend innovation, tradition, and style.

6. Soham Dave

Intrigued by rural India's rich tradition of indigenous dyeing techniques, Soham Dave translated his fascination into a sustainable fashion philosophy. Launching his eponymous label in 2011, Dave seamlessly incorporated the essence of rural sustainability into his creations.

The heart of Dave's commitment lies in the use of natural ingredients for dyeing and cleansing fabrics. Opting for traditional methods, he washes and dries garments under the sun, minimizing resource wastage and ensuring a low environmental impact. Each intricately crafted tie-dye piece and bandhani bears the mark of organic colors, with printing executed meticulously through hand blocks.

Soham Dave's approach not only pays homage to India's artisanal heritage but also signifies a dedication to eco-friendly practices. His label becomes a canvas where indigenous techniques and sustainable fashion converge, offering a refreshing take on style that respects both tradition and the environment.

7. Anita Dongre

A stalwart in the fashion industry, Anita Dongre stands as a vocal advocate for conscious fashion, channeling her passion through her label Grassroot. With a mission to revive crafts and empower artisans, Dongre envisions sustainable fashion as a commitment to both the environment and the people involved.

Under the Grassroot banner, Dongre not only creates eco-friendly and animal by-product-free collections but extends her ethos to the very core of her operations. The headquarters are meticulously designed to give back to the environment, optimizing natural light and breeze to reduce electricity consumption. A composting pit efficiently manages waste, while water recycling further attests to Dongre's dedication to sustainability.

Beyond Grassroot, Anita Dongre is at the forefront of change, actively partnering with manufacturers of sustainable fabrics. This conscious effort echoes across all her brands – Grassroot, Anita Dongre, Global Desi, and AND – weaving a narrative of responsible fashion that transcends mere style, creating a blueprint for an industry that cares for both the planet and its people.

8. Aneeth Arora

Aneeth Arora, the visionary behind Pero, seamlessly weaves sustainability into the fabric of her designs, drawing inspiration from traditional Indian practices. The ethos of Pero reflects a conscious adoption of rural Indian values, particularly the art of reusing and recycling to eliminate waste.

From the subtle introduction of waste-filled heart tags to the current integration of upcycled and recycled looks, Pero stands as a testament to Arora's commitment to sustainable fashion. Each season becomes a canvas where tradition meets innovation, creating a harmonious blend of style and ethical responsibility, echoing the spirit of rural India within the global fashion landscape.

9. Rahul Mishra

Rahul Mishra stands as a beacon of ethical and sustainable fashion within the Indian design landscape. Renowned for his responsible practices, Mishra made history by being the first Indian designer to grace the prestigious Paris Haute Couture Week in 2020.

Mishra's creations are a celebration of India's cultural heritage, intricately woven with traditional textiles. His dedication extends beyond design, collaborating intimately with local artisans to elevate their skills and artistry. Celebrities, including Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Zendaya, and Viola Davis, have adorned his collections. As a stalwart advocate for sustainability, Mishra employs eco-friendly materials, supports fair trade practices, and has earned accolades such as the International Fashion Award for Sustainable and Ethical Brand in 2018. Mishra's journey is a testament to how fashion can intertwine with cultural richness, ethical responsibility, and a commitment to a more sustainable future. 

10. Abraham & Thakore

In a pioneering move towards sustainability, Abraham & Thakore introduced a collection crafted from recycled post-consumer PET bottles. Drawing inspiration from traditional methods of recycling textile remnants, the designers delved into the artistry of patchwork, applique, and Kantha. These age-old techniques serve as the literal foundation for the collection, inspiring a distinct design language. 

The intricate interplay of patchwork and applique, both in reality and as a wellspring for print and pattern concepts, echoes the brand's commitment to marrying environmental consciousness with the rich tapestry of artisanal traditions. Abraham & Thakore thus showcases that sustainable fashion can seamlessly embrace heritage, giving new life to discarded materials while preserving and celebrating age-old craftsmanship.

Conclusion

In the ever-evolving landscape of Indian fashion, the journey through sustainable design is both inspiring and transformative. From the visionary Leesha Agarwal's zero-waste creations at Adah to Karishma Shahani's inventive upcycling at Ka-Sha, each designer contributes to a narrative that transcends mere style, weaving in ethical practices and environmental responsibility. 

As we delve into the world of these Indian sustainable designers, it becomes evident that fashion is a powerful catalyst for change. Through their innovative approaches and commitment to eco-friendly practices, these designers redefine the narrative of style, proving that conscious choices can be both chic and impactful. The path to sustainable fashion in India is vibrant, diverse, and promising, inviting us all to embrace a wardrobe that not only reflects our aesthetic preferences but also our collective responsibility towards the planet.