Award-Winning Indian Designer Rahul Mishra interviewed by the Indo-Asian News Service (IANS) explains his philosophy centered on sustainable fashion.
This expert in traditional textiles and Indian crafts had focused his attention on the environment, employment, and empowerment, long before the rise of slow fashion.
Via his design house, his goal has been to create jobs to help the local community of craftsmen and encourage the growth of a circular economy.
The COVID-19 crisis is unprecedented in the fashion industry. Businesses went bankrupt, stores closed down, factories stood still, and millions of people lost their livelihood.
It's time to put sustainability at the center of discussions post-COVID-19. Without it, fashion companies cannot thrive in the new market demanding more accountability and transparency.
"Sustainability and Green Fashion have been an important topic during this decade; it has been discussed in various international forums for a long time, so it’s not something new or in focus because of the pandemic. I believe the ‘COVID-19 break’ as I like to call it, has put a break on manufacturing, production, retail, and consumption, giving us a chance to think about what we want our future to be."
- Rahul Mishra, Indian luxury fashion designer
Rahul Mishra is an Indian fashion designer based in Delhi. He won the MTV Youth Icon of the Year in 2008. He then became the first non-European designer to win a scholarship at Istituto Marangoni, Milan, Italy, and won the International Woolmark Prize in 2014 at Milan Fashion Week.
When asked about how the coronavirus pandemic has placed sustainability at the forefront of the fashion world, Mishra further explains:
"COVID-19 has helped us with the realization that maybe we have too many things, things which are locked in cupboards where we don’t end up using 90 percent of them. [...] It's a catalyst for the positive changes we need to bring about. [...] One should move away from overproduction and overconsumption and I feel this crisis will have a positive impact on the future."
Rahul Mishra has been recently invited to present his collection on the official Paris Haute Couture schedule (Spring/Summer 2020), presented twice a year, in January and in July.
"It is a privilege to be the first Indian designer to be part of the digital haute couture show at the highest global platform in the field of fashion; it’s a historic moment for me. I am very thankful to the Federation de la Haute Couture et de la Mode, to be accepted on the Calendar. [...] This has been possible because of the beautiful craftsmanship which is part of my brand which is a hundred percent made in India."
Sustainability is now more important than ever before, especially in the fashion world. To thrive after the COVID-19 crisis, fashion houses need to find means of producing clothing locally, fairly, ethically, and sustainably.
Fashion doesn't have the luxury to ignore sustainability anymore. Fashion brands and retailers must take massive action to reduce waste, pollution, and carbon emissions.
As consumers, we can carefully study how we spend our money and plan better for the future. Let's rethink how we buy and use clothes to protect the people involved in making them and the planet.
"This crisis has brought with it two things, one we have started thinking a lot more rationally, and secondly we have all slowed down in pace. This was needed, especially to get back into rhythm with nature, which we lost long ago. This is the biggest silver lining, to bring the rhythm of production and consumption back into harmony with nature and the environment in a sustainable fashion."
Was this article helpful to you? Please tell us what you liked or didn't like in the comments below.
About the Author: Alex Assoune
Alex Assoune (MS) is a global health and environmental advocate. He founded Panaprium to inspire others with conscious living, ethical, and sustainable fashion. Alex has worked in many countries to address social and environmental issues. He speaks three languages and holds two Master of Science degrees in Engineering from SIGMA and IFPEN schools.
What We're Up Against
Multinational corporations overproducing cheap products in the poorest countries.
Huge factories with sweatshop-like conditions underpaying workers.
Media conglomerates promoting unethical, unsustainable products.
Bad actors encouraging overconsumption through oblivious behavior.
- - - -
Thankfully, we've got our supporters, including you.
Panaprium is funded by readers like you who want to join us in our mission to make the world entirely sustainable.
If you can, please support us on a monthly basis. It takes less than a minute to set up, and you will be making a big impact every single month. Thank you.
RELATED ARTICLES
Tags
When to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 6: The Ultimate Guide
Living in USDA Hardiness Zone 6, which spans much of the central and eastern U.S., gives gardeners a moderately long growing season—typically from mid-April to mid-October. Most areas have an average... Read More
When to Start Seeds Indoors in Zone 4: Complete Guide
Zone 4 encompasses some of the coldest parts of the contiguous United States, with average minimum winter temperatures plunging to −30 °F and last spring frosts often hanging around June 1, according to Urban... Read More
When to Start Tomato Seeds Indoors in Zone 5b: Complete Guide
Tomatoes are among the most popular home garden crops—and for good reason. Their rich flavor, versatility in cooking, and rewarding yield make them a must-have for many gardeners. However, if... Read More
When to Start Pepper Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Complete Guide
Growing your own peppers from seed is one of the most rewarding gardening experiences—especially in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where the growing season is short and warm-weather crops need a head... Read More
When to Start Flower Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Complete Guide
Starting flower seeds indoors is a smart way to get a head start on the growing season—especially in USDA Hardiness Zone 5, where winters are long and the growing window is... Read More
When to Start Herb Seeds Indoors in Zone 5: Complete Guide
Growing herbs from seed is an affordable and rewarding way to start your own herb garden. But in USDA hardiness zone 5, where winters are long and frosts linger into spring,... Read More
Is It Better to Grow Herbs from Seeds or Plants? Pros & Cons
Herbs are among the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow. Whether you're dreaming of fresh basil for homemade pesto or fragrant lavender for teas and crafts, the first big... Read More
When Can I Plant Herbs Outside in Pots? Complete Seasonal Guide
Planting herbs outside in pots is one of the most rewarding ways to start a garden. Whether you're growing basil for your pasta, mint for iced tea, or lavender for... Read More
Will Herbs Survive Winter in Pots? Complete Guide to Growing Herbs
Growing herbs in pots is a practical way to enjoy fresh, fragrant plants year-round—whether you're cooking in the kitchen or decorating your balcony. But when winter rolls around, many gardeners... Read More
Growing Herbs Indoors with Artificial Light: Complete Guide
Growing herbs indoors allows for fresh flavor and natural healing right at your fingertips, even when outdoor conditions are harsh or inconsistent. But one major challenge indoor gardeners face is... Read More
Herbs That Grow All Year Round Outside: Complete Perennial Guide
Fresh herbs are one of the easiest ways to add vibrant flavor and nutrition to meals, but many people assume herb gardening is limited to the warm growing season. The... Read More
Herbs That Grow in Winter Outside: Guide to Cold-Weather Gardening
When temperatures drop and gardens go dormant, many gardeners assume their herb-growing days are over until spring. But in reality, several hardy herbs can survive—and even thrive—outdoors during the winter... Read More
Growing Herbs from Seed Indoors in Winter: Complete Beginner’s Guide
Growing herbs from seed indoors during winter is a rewarding way to bring fresh greenery, flavor, and life into your home when the outdoor world is dormant. With the right... Read More
How to Grow Herbs Indoors: A Complete Guide for Year-Round Flavor
Growing herbs indoors is a simple and rewarding way to bring fresh flavor, fragrance, and greenery into your home. Whether you have a sunny windowsill or a tiny apartment kitchen,... Read More
How Close Can You Plant Herbs Together? Complete Guide
Herbs are some of the easiest and most rewarding plants to grow, whether in containers on a windowsill or a garden bed in your backyard. But one of the most... Read More
Flowers to Plant with Herbs in Pots: Complete Guide for Beginners
Growing herbs in pots is a rewarding and practical way to bring fresh flavors to your kitchen and fragrance to your garden. But what if you could boost the health... Read More
Which Herbs Should Not Be Planted Together? Complete Guide
Growing herbs is one of the most rewarding aspects of gardening. They’re compact, flavorful, and full of health benefits. But not all herbs make good neighbors. Just like people, some... Read More
What Herbs Grow Well Together in the Same Container? Complete Guide
Growing herbs in containers is a convenient and rewarding way to keep fresh flavors right at your fingertips. But when space is limited, many gardeners wonder: Can I grow different... Read More
Best Soil for Herbs in Pots: Complete Guide for a Thriving Herb Garden
Growing herbs in pots is a practical and rewarding way to cultivate fresh flavor at home. Whether you’re working with a sunny windowsill, a balcony, or a full patio, container... Read More
Ethical Harvesting: Foraging Examples That Respect Nature
In an era where sustainable living is more important than ever, foraging—gathering wild food and medicine from natural landscapes—offers a way to connect with the earth while reducing our ecological... Read More
REAL Wildcrafting Examples: Traditional and Modern Practices
Wildcrafting is the ancient art of harvesting wild plants from their natural habitats for food, medicine, and spiritual use. Long before the invention of agriculture or synthetic pharmaceuticals, people around... Read More
Wildcrafted vs Organic: What’s the Difference and Why It Matters
In an age of wellness trends and eco-conscious living, words like “wildcrafted” and “organic” are appearing on everything from herbal teas to skincare and supplements. But what do these labels... Read More
20 Best Wild Herbs for Cooking: Flavor from the Forest to Your Fork
Wild herbs aren’t just for medicine—they’re also a rich source of culinary flavor, often fresher and more potent than what you find in the grocery store. Foraging for wild herbs... Read More
Wildcrafting Herbs List: 20 Powerful Plants to Harvest Responsibly
Wildcrafting is the ancient practice of gathering herbs and plants from their natural environments for healing, spiritual, or culinary purposes. Unlike farming or commercial harvesting, wildcrafting emphasizes respect, sustainability, and... Read More
Wildcrafting vs. Foraging: What's the Difference and Why It Matters
In recent years, there’s been a growing interest in returning to nature—gathering wild plants, herbs, and mushrooms for food, medicine, or self-sufficiency. Two terms often used in this context are... Read More
How to Dry Leaves for Tea Naturally: Complete Guide to Herbal Tea
Drying your own leaves for tea is a rewarding and practical way to preserve the freshness, flavor, and healing properties of herbs from your garden or local harvest. Whether you're... Read More
14 Best Dried Herbs for Tea: Complete Guide to Home Brewing
Drinking herbal tea is a timeless ritual enjoyed for both its flavor and its therapeutic benefits. While fresh herbs are wonderful, dried herbs are more potent, last longer, and are... Read More
0 comments