A Draft Manifesto: The Cultural Agenda in Sustainable Fashion

• FACT :

  
  

Article One of Universal Declaration of Human Rights states, “All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.” Yet when it comes to Fashion, this basic Human Right is repeatedly and knowingly ignored by fashion brands.

As per The Sustainable Fashion Glossary by Condé Nast, “Artisanal labour has always been inseparable from the culture of fashion and it still plays a key role in the making of fashion products, from the hand embroidery and weaving communities in India and Thailand to the luxury master craftsmen and craftswomen in the heritage fashion houses of Europe.” Despite the high amount of skill set involved, artisanal labour in fashion is notoriously exploited as its impossible for the artisanal communities to compete with the mass-manufactured alternatives based on production time and price points.

• ·VALUES :

  
  

Fashion is a form of art and should be worn with respect for the artisans who create it. Garments made from quality materials and quality craftmanship are designed to last, encouraging mindful wear and care. A €5 t-shirt comes at a hidden cost—when clothing is that cheap, the farmers growing the raw materials, the workers producing the fabric, and the tailors crafting the garment are almost certainly not being paid fairly.

Honouring culture in fashion means recognizing and preserving the artistry, traditions, and skills that define different communities and their unique approaches to garment-making. Take the example of the beautiful weaving technique called ‘Paithani Weaving’ from Central India—an exquisite craft that embodies cultural heritage, artisanal mastery, and sustainable fashion practices. Paithani is a centuries-old silk weaving tradition that originated in Maharashtra, India, particularly in the town of Paithan. Known for its luxurious feel, vibrant colors, and intricate motifs, Paithani weaving has been passed down through generations of skilled artisans. Each Paithani saree is woven by hand on traditional looms, ensuring that no two pieces are exactly alike. Each piece you buy is unique. This slow, mindful production process contrasts sharply with fast fashion’s mass manufacturing, emphasizing quality over quantity.

• VISION :

  
  

I envision a slower, more mindful and circular approach to Fashion. I believe in preserving age-old traditions and techniques so they can be passed down through generations. By celebrating and integrating age-old techniques into modern design, fashion becomes a bridge between the past and the future. Rather than being seen as outdated, these skills can be adapted, innovated, and brought into contemporary fashion in a way that respects their roots while making them relevant for new generations.

• CHANGE :

  
  

To align the current state of fashion with my core vision and values, I envision the below key changes that need to be integrated within the fashion industry.

-        A Shift from Fast Fashion to Slow, Mindful Consumption: Encouraging consumers to move away from excessive, trend-driven shopping and embrace quality over quantity. Encouraging the concept of a ‘Capsule Wardrobe’. Raising awareness about the hidden costs of fashion. Consumer awareness can force the brands to become more transparent and traceable.

-        Fair Compensation and Recognition for Artisans: Encouraging more brands to collaborate with artisanal communities to give them a platform to showcase their work. Supporting local and indigenous craftspeople by making traditional techniques financially viable and respected in the global market. Indian designers like Anita Dongre & Sabyasachi Mukherjee have done a really great job on this front by collaborating with several artisan and craft people from all around India. They have not only created a safe and stable working environment for artisans but have also introduced customers to traditional techniques, fostering appreciation for their uniqueness.

-        Promoting Circular Fashion & Sustainability: Encouraging Repair, Reuse and Recycle instead of discarding items. Advocating for durable, high-quality clothing that can be passed down through generations rather than being replaced every season.

• COMMITTEMENT :

  
  

I am dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship and integrating heritage techniques into modern fashion. By advocating for fair wages and ethical collaborations, I support artisans and ensure their skills remain valued. I promote slow, mindful consumption, encouraging quality over quantity. Transparency, sustainability, and circularity are at the core of my approach, pushing for responsible sourcing and lasting garments. Through education and awareness, I aim to shift fashion towards cultural appreciation rather than exploitation. My goal is to create a future where fashion honours both people and the planet.

Threads Of Time..

Woven by hands, steady and true,

Stories unfold in every hue.

Silk and thread, colours so bright,

Echoes of cultures, shining in light.

Not just fabric, not just seams,

But whispers of ancestors, woven in dreams.

Honouring hands that craft with care,

A legacy stitched beyond compare.

Fast fades the fleeting, trends come and go,

But heritage lingers in stitches that flow.

Wear with respect, wear with pride,

For history walks by your side.