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Narratives Towards Sustainable Futures

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A recent discussion at Fashion Colloquia, Jaipur threw light on textile heritage, indigenous crafts and methodologies that hold the potential to stir new perspectives into the world of fashion.

The Fashion Colloquia series started with four institutions connected by their residence and involvement in the four big ‘Fashion weeks’ across the globe. Fashion Colloquia 2020 launched the third series of the event recognizing the importance of a ‘Responsible’ future and was hosted and organized by the ARCH College of Design & Business in Jaipur.

Sustainability Matters

Exploring legends or folklore surrounding textile heritage, indigenous crafts and methodologies that hold the potential to stir new perspectives into the world of fashion helps to reinforce connections between the unique and unexplored ecosystems of the past and the future of fashion. Dr. Julie King, Deputy Dean, Faculty of Creative Industries, University of South Wales, UK spoke about the need for supporting social change through sustainability in the fashion and textiles supply chain. The research was inspired by an article in The Guardian 2019 that spoke of the UK mass market retailers have been accused of contributing the problems of a lack of sustainability, social justice and ethical issues in textile and garment manufacturing, placing large volume orders at low prices whatever the end costs. Prof. Vandana Bhandari, Former Dean, spoke about strategies for designer engagement with artisans. “India has an unbroken tradition of handloom and handicraft production of 5000 years. Designers today understand that engaging with artisans in a meaningful way is important not only ethically but also economically. The paper analyses the strategies employed by designers to engage effectively with artisans while ensuring that they are mindful to the artisans needs while running enterprises, which are economically viable,” said Bhandari. Vikram Joshi, Textile Historian & MD – Jaipur Bloc added, “we have made a conscious effort to address issues of sustainability.”

Read the full story that first appeared in the Nov 2020 issue of Apparel here:

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