Designers pave way for upcycling at LFW

A group of designers showcased how materials and fabrics can be recycled and turned into great stylish items like clothes, jewellery, footwear, bags, scarves and accessories on the Sustainable Fashion and Indian Textiles Day at the ongoing Lakme Fashion Week.
Designer Gaury Pathare's travel souvenirs like stones encouraged her creative juices to flow into designing for her label "Wandering Whites".
The fusion line of accessories was combined with brass, industrial waste and scrap materials.
Circles entwined around the neck ended with strings and an imposing pendant; while metal clasps and stones were eye-catching centred for neck pieces. There were variations of necklace-cum-arm ornaments, large angular pendants, hanging changes on bangles and entwined neckpiece.

"There were some giant necklaces which reached down to the navel, the shoulder-cum-neckpieces were all made from junk elements. I used gas burners, nuts and bolts, ac pipes and also hinges," Gaury said.
"I Was a Sari" founder said Stefano Funari worked with abandoned sarees and he used it to create the latest line which were mainly accessories. The show was designed and curated by Natalie Frost.

The label showcased fashion from recycled saris using the reuse and upcycle techniques. The colours were a riot of jewel tones as western, contemporary, casual, beach and resort wear appeared on the catwalk.

Kaftans had fluid relaxed silhouettes, wraparound garments were comfy wear, while the scarves, bags, head gear, necklaces and accessories matched the look of the attire.
"We believe in social changes and our endevour is social inclusion and sustainability. We have a lot of designers working in our label from Italy and India. We outsource most of our work in India to women," Funari said.
Shubhi Sachan's label 'Jambudweep' turned waste into most wanted fashion and gave life to materials that were cast away.
Created from non-hazardous materials, the collection was totally handcrafted from industrial waste and was designed into styles and accessories like shoes.

The all ecru collection comprised kurtas, maxis, skirts with layered sheer blouse, tunic with pyjama and a sack dress all with intricate texturing.
The collection presented by "The Stitching Project" from the studios of Fiona Wright and Praveen Nayak and shoes from 'Kurio' by Megha Rawat fitted perfectly into the sustainable theme of the day.
The shoes from upcycled rubber tyres for soles, had uppers from old saris and fabric remnants. Each pair was simple, yet sophisticated, for casual, traditional and contemporary wear.
The Artisans' Centre "Reincarnations Show" was conceived and curated by Radhi Parekh supported by Mantra Foundation.