The Journey of Repurposed Fabric in Mumbai’s Fashion Scene
Prof. Sasirekha Ramachandran
Educationalist/ Fashion & Textile Designer/ Entrepreneur/ President of Akshaya The Belvedere
In Mumbai, a bustling hub of creativity and culture, fashion is often seen as a form of self-expression. However, alongside the glitter of new trends, there lies an often-overlooked resource: leftover fabrics from tailors and street vendors. These remnants, typically seen as waste, are being transformed into sustainable fashion by innovative designers.
One such designer, working from the heart of Mumbai's Fashion Street, has embraced the challenge of sustainability. By sourcing discarded fabric from local tailors, she repurposes these materials into modern, stylish pieces, from jackets to accessories. What was once discarded is now a statement of eco-conscious fashion.
These efforts are not just about fashion; they’re about reshaping how we think about waste. The story of Mumbai’s repurposed fabrics is a message of innovation showing that by reimagining what's left behind, we can create something beautiful and sustainable. This trend is gaining momentum, with local markets and artisans joining the movement to give new life to old materials.
The city's vibrant culture, combined with a growing awareness of sustainability, is helping turn once-forgotten fabrics into valuable fashion statements. It's an example of how creativity, when applied to sustainability, can spark a movement one garment at a time.