There is a new trend in town, one that puts social issues at the heart of fashion. Fashion has never been so “woke”, from female empowerment to issues of sustainability and ethics, and it is encouraging to see that the industry has finally embraced a larger sense of social consciousness. But with this new awareness, one aspect has yet to be addressed: that at the core of these issues runs one common thread of compassion and kindness.
It is the people behind our clothes that need kindness the most. The textiles industry is the second-biggest employer in India, and an estimated 16 million people work in the crafts sector. Our textiles truly represent the fabric of our society, and are at the core of every fashion brand. And designers from Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla to Sabyasachi have been raising awareness around this, as has Ritu Kumar, one of the country’s first fashion houses. Founded by Ritu in 1969, with four hand-block printers and two tables in a small village near Kolkata, the brand today has over 90 retail outlets and employs more than 600 people. And while it is profit-driven, that does not mean it forgets that its people make the company. “Terms like ethical fashion have become convoluted,” says Amrish Kumar, Creative and Managing Director of the label. “There is a marked difference between being ethical and being kind...being ethical is not being kind; it is being non-exploitative. Kindness goes beyond simply doing what is right which, in this case, is paying living wages and not adding to the planet’s woes.” And for fashion, that means the values must begin with the creators.
CRAFTS, THE COMMON THREAD
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2021-Ausgabe von Harper's Bazaar India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der October 2021-Ausgabe von Harper's Bazaar India.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Unyielding And Unmatched
In an industry where every move is scrutinised, Kareena Kapoor Khan lives passionately, loves her job, and understands that there’s more to her than just box-office numbers.
SEEN AND HEARD
Female authors explore how crucial it is that women write about their personal experiences.
INTO THE WORLD OF JUDY CHICAGO
What makes the feminist trailblazer an icon?
'THE LEGACY OF A SINGER WILL ALWAYS STAY INTACT'
AR Rahman believes AI can be used without compromising on the artistic essence.
THROUGH HER EYES
Indian supermodels remember legendary photographer Prabuddha Dasgupta ahead of his 68th birth anniversary.
THE SHAPE-SHIFTERS
From adorning your body to your mantle piece, jewellery designers are turning to homeware.
WEARABLE ART
Three limited-edition timepieces, inspired by Gaston-Louis Vuitton's love for artistry, is an ode to the Maison's legacy of craftsmanship.
AS LONG AS TIME
Bazaar India delves into the ethos of watch brands.
MILANO MAKEOVER
Sabato De Sarno's reimagination of this classic Gucci bag is is an ode to his Milanese becoming.
A LOVE LETTER TO JAIPUR
Designer Surily Goel reveals the making of her latest collection.