The Intersection of Indian Handicraft and Sustainable Fashion: A Match Made in Heaven

The Intersection of Indian Handicraft and Sustainable Fashion: A Match Made in Heaven
Any product in handloom or handicraft has a unique vibe and immediately captures your
attention.

Wearing handloom enhances your look, adds grace, and changes your overall
appearance.

And handcrafted furniture has the same effect on you too! Have we ever wondered why this happens? Each piece of handwoven apparel and each piece of handcrafted furniture is made using traditional techniques passed on from generations and with locally sourced raw material, infused with much love and hard work by our traditional artisans.

That is what sets handmade apart from the crowd! That is the power of our rich cultural history that our ancestors have left behind, so much so that, if we closely observe – the fashion and home décor choices of people are becoming more mindful, more towards sustainable options that are inspired by India’s diversity, history, cultures, traditions, folk dances, songs, paintings, art forms, and languages.

The Indian handicraft industry is one of the oldest and most extensive in the world. It employs over 7 million artisans, and it contributes significantly to the Indian economy.

The industry is valued at around $25 billion, and it is expected to grow further in the coming years. The Indian handloom industry is also an essential component of sustainable fashion.

It is estimated that the handloom industry employs around 4.3 million people in India. The future of fashion is here! Integrating Indian handloom and handicraft with sustainable fashion is a great way to promote eco-friendly and socially responsible fashion.

The fashion industry is responsible for a significant amount of waste and pollution, the estimate is – around 10% of global carbon emissions.

The production and transportation of clothing require a significant amount of energy and resources, which contribute to carbon emissions.

Sustainable fashion aims to reduce the carbon footprint of the fashion industry by using traditional, eco-friendly, and environment-friendly techniques and tools, kept alive by our artisans, representing various arts and crafts, across India.

With technological advancements, the machine age, industrial revolutions, and increasing populations, the handloom and handicraft industry, unfortunately, was relegated to the back seat.

However, lately, the world has started to strongly value handmade and sustainable products, building a movement to revive handmade. Artisans play the most crucial role in preserving the art.

By using traditional techniques and materials, like organic and natural fibers, wood, jute,
bamboo, a lot of unique and beautiful products can be created that support local artisans and help preserve their cultural heritage and promote sustainable livelihoods.

India is again standing at a place where it can command its worth, by teaching the world to live resourcefully and the world is turning towards it for knowledge and resources.

We need to conserve our resources, utilize the strength of young people and their skills, learn to respect artisans and move towards sustainable technologies and options.

Overall, integrating Indian handloom and handicrafts with sustainable fashion is a win-win for both the fashion industry and the planet.

Tisser Artisans Trust, in its endeavor to preserve the art, is empowering artisans across India by building their skills in alignment with modern trends and tastes of consumers.

In addition, it is also providing them with technological support and market linkages so that they can stand firm on their feet and show the world the power of HAND-MADE!

We encourage you to do your bit too!