Fashion

Slow and Steady Sustainability

Gone are the days of fast, unsustainable, and exploitative fashion. Slow fashion is making a steady rise, providing clothes that are made to last. Made with eco-friendly materials and produced ethical, slow fashion is fast pulling the attention of conscious shop-goers everywhere. SHAMBHAVI DUTTA discovers three Sustainable Fashion Brands From India for you to check out…

Increscent

Increscent is a zero-waste online store from Jaipur, Rajasthan, that sells vintage clothes for women. Their collection consists of flowy dresses, scarves, jumpsuits, summery tops, and skirts, in a variety of design options.

After graduating in fashion styling, founder Kamakshi Singh realised that her work generated excessive deadstock fabrics. Always wanting to start her small venture, Kamakshi decided to utilise this leftover fabric to create her own garment business, thus starting Increscent in 2018.

Increscent is a brand that is combating the wastefulness of fast fashion by sourcing its raw material from fabric waste of export houses. Further, they create garments to prevent stock pileup. Quality and durability are paramount to Increscent as they endeavour to produce timeless pieces for all sizes. They have also launched the ‘Pre-Loved Project’ where they accept and repurpose old clothes for secondary sales, thus strengthening their resolve that nothing goes to waste

“Sustainability is when you work in harmony with the ecosystem and find a balance… it is being mindful about the impact of your decisions and choices you make.” – Kamakshi Singh, founder, Increscent

While the business is already minimising waste, Kamakshi also aims to optimise her production process to regulate its carbon footprint and maintain sustainable practices. For her, sustainability in the fashion industry is multifaceted. It can range from working with plant fibres to creating timeless, durable fashion products mindfully. She also says that green fashion does not have to be boring, and her collection is testimony to that. Increscent looks to the future with hope; Kamakshi states that they “intend to continue working on their [our] zero-wastage policy and are striving towards incorporating more eco-friendly practices.”

Dressed to Save: Fashion for the Planet

Contact Details:

Website: https://www.increscent.in/ (online store only)

Instagram: @increscent.in

Price range: Approx. Rs 2000 to Rs 6000

Ka Sha

Ka Sha is a women’s apparel store in Pune, Maharashtra, specialising in bold tie-dyed colours. Their collection includes dresses, jackets, tunics, skirts, scarves and pants. ‘Ka Sha’ are the initials of Karishma Shahani Khan, who began the business in 2012. The brand goes beyond using eco-friendly or organic materials, focusing on the way garments are used and reused and all other mindful processes that are involved in the production. It is the constructive environment built at work and interacting with each other that inspires their ideas.

The brand aims to champion the artisans that create the clothes. As is the case with most sustainable fashion brands, Ka Sha garments are also made to prevent waste. The waste fabric produced from Ka Sha’s garments is utilised again in their sister venture ‘Heart to Haat’; this extends their zero-waste policy.

Although Ka Sha started merely a conscious brand, their ideology has evolved to be shaped by a passion for textiles and craft, for the hands that create them and mindful processes that go behind the production process. As Karishma states, “The diversity of handwork and craft we have here in India is unlike any other and the way it can take on any form, contemporary or traditional, is something very challenging and inspiring to work with.”

While Ka Sha is already upcycling, recycling and repurposing, their vision is to encourage mindfulness in the process of production and to find more purpose through work and awareness.

Contact Details:

Website: https://ka-shaindia.com/home

Instagram: @ka_sha_india

Price: Approx. Rs 500 to Rs 25,000

Offline store: Gold Field Enclave CHS, Row House No. 1, S Main Rd, Koregaon Park, Pune Pune, Maharashtra.

Pomogrenade

This online store from Bangalore, Karnataka, sells comfortable clothes for both men and women in plain and chequered patterns. The accessories in their collection include scarves, pins, and cloth belts.

Madhulika Umapathy and Aiswarya Kutty started their ethical fashion brand Pomogrenade in 2015 with the belief that we are what we wear. For them, one’s fashion reflects their identity and beliefs. Fashion is about people and Pomogrenade aims to reinforce this by giving each garment a story of its own. Aiswarya and Madhulika want to transform the shopping landscape from malls and retail showrooms to one that reminds us of stories of crafts, art, artisans & producers working together to make something beautiful.

Pomogrenade recycles waste fabric and reduces its carbon footprint by using handloom fabrics that do not require electricity. They also emphasise fair trade, vegan raw materials, local sourcing, and enable conscious fashion. For orders, they try to maintain transparency. Clothes do not have to be trendy and profit-oriented for them, but ethical and long-lasting.

Aiswarya and Madhulika are constant learners and try to integrate everything they learn from various sources into their goal of becoming more and more sustainable. As they state, “We’d like to believe that each conversation we have imbibed a little bit of goodness from each source that has shaped us & our journey so far and will continue to do so.” Pomogrenade clothes can be found in ‘Go Native’ stores in Bangalore.

Contact Details:

Website: https://www.pomogrenade.com/ (online store only)

Instagram: @ pomogrenade.shop

Price: Approx. Rs 600 to Rs 4000

What exactly is slow fashion?

Slow Fashion emerged in the fashion scene as an earth-friendly answer to fast fashion. Maybe you’re reading this article with a metal straw between your lips, drinking water from a reusable glass bottle. You use cloth tote bags everywhere you go, but you only buy from brands like Zara, H&M, Fashion Nova, and Mango. Your lifestyle choices are sustainable to an extent, but your clothing sure is not.

Brands like Shein, GAP and GUESS are fast fashion brands. This means that they rapidly produce clothes that are trending on the fashion ramp. While globally popular, these brands tend to mass-produce clothes with cheap, inorganic raw materials, and these clothes soon find their way to overflowing landfills.

“To us, sustainable fashion is us tracing back to our roots, going back to appreciating the clothes and fabrics that define us and creating that cultural identity again for the modern-day.” – Madhulika Umapathy and Aiswarya Kutty, founders, Pomogrenade

Not only is fast fashion dangerous for the environment, but it is also wasteful and is slowly abolishing the notion that each cloth has a story to tell and memories to store. So, the next time you want to invest in long-lasting clothes that you can pass on as an heirloom, make sure your legacy is ethical and sustainable for the coming generations. “The most sustainable garment is the one already in your wardrobe.” – Orsola de Castro

August 14, 2021

Fashion Brands, Sustainable Fashion Brands From India

Varsha Chaturvedi’s Journey of Transformation

In a world where change is often feared, Varsha Chaturvedi embraced transformation with grace, grit, and unshakable determination. Her journey is not just one of personal growth, it is a story of reclaiming identity, defying societal expectations, and inspiring countless others to take control of their lives. Born and raised in a traditional family in Rajasthan, Varsha’s early life followed a path that many women in India are expected to tread: academic excellence, a conventional marriage, and settling into the role of a homemaker. But beneath the quiet rhythm of domestic life, Varsha harbored a restless spirit. She always knew she was meant for more not out of dissatisfaction, but out of an innate desire to explore her full potential. Breaking the Mold It wasn’t an overnight shift. Varsha’s transformation began subtly—through books, self-reflection, and engaging with women’s forums. She became increasingly aware of the silent struggles women endure, particularly in balancing personal dreams with family responsibilities. Rather than resigning, she began asking bold questions: “Why not me?” “What if I tried?” That inner voice led her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue public speaking, health and wellness, and social impact work. But her greatest breakthrough came when she entered the world of pageantry not as a means of glamor, but as a platform for expression and empowerment. The Pageant That Changed Everything In 2022, Varsha registered for a regional beauty pageant under the Mrs. category. It was an unconventional move for a woman who had never imagined herself on stage, in heels, under the spotlight. Yet, it was in that bold step that she discovered a version of herself she hadn’t met before: confident, articulate, and unapologetically ambitious. Though she didn’t win the crown that year, the experience became a turning point. She trained in grooming,

Fashion

From Gym To Brunch: How To Style Skorts For Every Occasion

Modern women, especially nestled in the hustle and bustle of city life, tend to attend different occasions. Be it an early morning workout session, weekend brunch with friends, or accompanying a fitness freak buddy to the gym, Indian women look for clothing that moves as seamlessly as she does. While many choices are available in the market, finding chic and comfortable active wear can be a hassle for many. Thankfully, one stylish essential has been winning hearts for its innovative design and adaptability: the Skort. As the focus on stylish and dynamic dressing is on the rise, finding the best skorts for women has become a smart trend. It combines the beauty of a skirt with the design of shorts that complement its adaptability on every occasion you go. Moreover, it effortlessly helps women transition from regular outings to workouts and get-togethers. In the following blog, let us explore how you can bring out the best for almost every occasion. Why Skorts Are The Ultimate Versatile Apparel? Before we discuss styling inspirations, it is vital to understand why such clothing (skorts) deserves a place in your closet. Interestingly, the average Indian woman is expected to shop approximately 9.3 pieces in 2025. This highlights the growing demand for practical and versatile fashion choices. Moreover, such a trend reflects how modern women are seeking wardrobe staples that easily adapt to their fast-paced lives, and skorts can easily accommodate that evolving preference. Here are some factors that give a clear picture of its versatility: Fashionable activewear blends athletic function with great appeal, allowing you to move freely without feeling self-conscious. Whether you’re stretching in the gym or just reaching for a coffee cup on a busy morning, it keeps you confident and comfortable. One of the most impressive aspects is its inclusive design. With a silhouette

Fashion

7 Summer Fashion Trends that are Dominating 2025

The sun’s blazing, vacations are calling, and the fashion world is already glowing with the season’s freshest energy. Summer 2025 is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation — think throwbacks to the 2000s, a celebration of slow fashion, and a whole lot of personality. We break down the seven standout trends that are shaping the hottest wardrobes right now. Ready to dive in? Pastels are nothing new, but this year, they’re showing up in elevated ways. From silky slip dresses in butter yellow to oversized blazers in cloudy lilac, Pastelcore 2.0 feels both playful and polished. Designers are layering pastels over sheer whites and styling them with sleek, minimalist accessories. It’s the kind of wardrobe that feels like a soft-serve sundae on a hot day — light, dreamy, and just right. Must-haves: Pistachio wrap tops, lilac trousers, butter-yellow mules Deconstructed denim is the anti-basic staple of 2025. We’re talking asymmetric cuts, frayed hems, and multi-tone patchwork. Low-rise jeans are making a controversial comeback (yes, again), but this time with more relaxed fits and artful distressing. Even denim corsets and trench coats are in rotation, proving denim isn’t just casual, its cool couture. Style tip: Pair baggy denim cargos with a satin tank and kitten heels for that grunge-glam finish. Whether or not you’re on a beach, Resortcore says you’re mentally there. Lightweight linens, crochet bikinis doubling as crop tops, breezy co-ords, and oversized straw hats are everywhere. Raffia totes and shell jewellery give this aesthetic that effortlessly wanderlust vibe. What to wear: Linen shorts + halter tops, kaftan dresses, strappy flat sandals One of the most surprising trends this year is the merger of bohemian silhouettes with techwear sensibilities. Smart fabrics that cool you down, UV-sensitive colour shifts, and pocket-heavy flowy fits are giving summer dressing a futuristic upgrade.

Fashion

From Local to Global: The Rise of Indian Streetwear Brands

Streetwear has evolved beyond Western origins, becoming a global movement. In India, homegrown brands are redefining fashion by blending urban aesthetics with cultural heritage. As Indian youth embrace self-expression, streetwear thrives, merging creativity with tradition. ARFAN KHAN JEELANY explores India’s rising streetwear scene and the brands shaping its dynamic evolution. Streetwear has come a long way since its origins in the skate parks and urban landscapes of the West, now becoming a global cultural phenomenon. This movement isn’t restricted to just Western society, however – you may be surprised to learn that there is a rising parallel movement emerging with our very own Indian home-grown brands, redefining the country’s fashion narrative in the process. These brands aren’t merely clothing labels but are cultural expressions, blending more contemporary urban aesthetics with the richness of Indian heritage and tradition. As more Indian youth increasingly seek individuality and self-expression, these brands are thriving in an era that values creativity and authenticity. Let’s look at the history of Indian streetwear as well as a few brands that are defining the genre! The Evolution of Indian Streetwear India’s streetwear scene emerged late but has rapidly gained momentum. While the early 2000s were dominated by fast fashion and traditional wear, the 2010s saw streetwear take off, driven by hip-hop culture and social media’s influence. The shift came when Indian brands began blending local narratives with global streetwear, creating a distinct subculture. The rise of e-commerce platforms like Flipkart and Myntra further fuelled its growth, giving brands direct access to their audience. Now, let’s explore the key brands shaping India’s streetwear landscape and defining this evolving fashion movement. SIX5SIX – Avni & Ambar Aneja Image Source: Fashion Design Council of India Founded in 2018 by brother-sister duo Avni and Ambar Aneja, SIX5SIX has quickly become a cornerstone