Dr Ambedhkar mobile skins

When it comes to sustainable fashion, reducing the need to throw and buy again is crucial. Artisans are skilled labourers who work with traditional techniques. These techniques have been around for centuries, passed down from a time when machine made, “disposable” fast fashion did not yet exist. Meaning, artisan hand-crafted garments generally lasts longer, and can also be mended if they experience slight wear and tear.

Recognising the intricacy, patience, and tedious labour that goes into the craft gives us a new perspective on our wardrobe. It was our visits to our artisan partners in India that made us realise how the value of craft is intrinsically interwoven into the lives of Indian culture and society. It taught us that clothes are not merely commodities, easily disposable and replaceable. Clothes that are made with love demands to be cared for with love. While fast fashion disconnects us from the supply chain behind a product, and makes us prone to throwaway without much thought, artisan-made clothes teaches us to treasure what we have, because we are connected to a face, a family, or a culture behind what we wear.

The better you treat your clothing, the longer your clothes will last and look great. In general, we wash clothing much more than we need to. Laundry wastes water and energy, breaks down fabrics, fades colors and releases tiny microplastics into our oceans. It’s impossible to skip the washer all together of course, but it’s good to be conscious of what’s in your laundry basket and skip washing until it’s really needed.