Consciously in Style | LBBD's Ethical Fashion Guide

The information in this post might be outdated

By Sonica Kapur

Us Dilli-wallis are famous for our multi faceted fashion sense and our ability to adorn Dior and desi-bling with equal ease. As awareness of the exploitation of workers and child labor behind mass produced clothing grows worldwide, Dilli-wallis too are becoming more conscious of their fashion choices. But the question in my mind was, is it really possible to shop responsibly and still look fabulous? As an ethical fashion enthusiast myself, this season I set out to re-vamp my wardrobe by shopping for ethically made clothing and accessories that are both people and earth friendly.

Here are the notes from how my little experiment turned out - a curated list for chic and ethical fashion. Let’s just say, not only is my winter wardrobe chicer than ever, my best fashion accessory this season is a heart all warmed up from my overflowing good deed bank.

Sheer Tunics; NorBlack NorWhite | This super sheer vintage chic tunic is perfect to turn up the sex appeal this winter. Choose the red and white combo for Christmas Eve.

nor-black-nor-white

Good karma points | Made from traditional Assamese Gamosa handloom weaves, this tunic has been designed by Mriga Kapadiya and Amrit Kumar, both of whom are putting traditional Indian textiles on the world map.

Where | Click here

Price | On request

 

Vintage Saree Short Dress; 11.11 by Cell DSGN | Move over little black dress! Dance the night away in this little number, or do that girls lunch in style with a wrap thrown on to stay warm.

11-11-cell-design-dress

Good karma points | This collection is made from reclaimed and recycled vintage sarees, which means with each purchase, you save one more item of clothing from landing up in a landfill.

Where | The Grey Garden in HKV 

Price | On request

For more information, have a look at their Facebook page here

 

Shoes; Ticket to Timbuktu | Hand crafted and unique, the diverse collection has something for everyone. We love these boho-chic slip ons.

ticket-to-timbaktu-shoes

Good karma points | With every product sold, TTT gifts a book to a child in need.

Every six months, TTT collaborates with schools or non- profit organizations working towards educating underprivileged children in India. A percentage amount of every shoe goes towards educating a child.

They also educate TTT supporters through their product range about different cultural, environmental and social causes.

Where | Second Floor Studio - Shahpur Jat and Khan Market

Price | On Request

For more information, have a look at their website here.

 

Draped Shirt Dress; Akaaro | Pair with skinny cigarette pants or sheer leggings and a pashmina or an over coat to up the ante.

akaaro-dress-gaurav-jai-gupta

Good karma points | With a focus on reviving the appreciation for contemporary Indian handwoven textiles, Akaaro produces woven classics with an ethical approach. They are committed to the longevity of Indian craftsmanship.

Where | F-344/2, Ground Floor, Lado Sarai; Contact | 011-40701360 {Please book an appointment prior to visit}

Price | On Request

 

Kantha Jackets; Tia Pakhi | The modern twist on this classic jacket adds a pop of color to a classic ensemble. Done by French Designer Anais Basu , this jacket is available in many colors and also in shorter versions.

tiaapjkmcnajp06-1

Good karma points | This jacket is made from hand woven mangalgiri cotton with kantha embroidery, all hand done by Indian artisans.

Where | Click here

Price | INR 6750

 

Hand Crafted Jewelry; Manifest Destiny | Elegant hand crafted jewelry in gold and silver. So versatile, it compliments any look!

totem-bangles-manifest-destiny

Good karma points | Hand crafted in Auroville - a conscious global community. We think the design aesthetics are good for the soul!

Where | Click here

Price | INR 1,200 onwards

 

Mahru Clutch; Indian Artisans Online | Look beyond the clichéd  black clutch - this almost black clutch is really a trendy navy. Clean lines, a pop of color - what’s not to love!

IMG_0586_461_460_432

Good karma points | The bag is handmade by Indian artisans. The Indian artisans online platform provides market access to artisan communities. Through them, artisans can reach customers and have access to sustained income and training.

Where | Click here. They are also at Dastkar Nature Bazaar at Andheria Modh.

Price | INR 890

 

Handwoven Saree; Indian Sparrow | Elegant and understated, accessorize this saree with your grandmom’s heirloom jewelry and heads are guaranteed to turn in any room you walk into.

handwoven-saree-Indian-Sparrow

Good karma points | The Indian Sparrow offers a unique collection of hand crafted textiles from the hinterlands of India and supports handloom weaving communities.

Where | Click here to view their collection and email theindiansparrow@gmail.com to order

Price | On Request

 

Jeans; Zeme Organic These certified organic jeans have options in slim and relaxed fits with unwashed, whiskered and washed looks. The slim fit is a personal favorite… it fits perfectly!

zeme-organic-jeansGood karma points | Zeme products are certified according to GOTS {Global Organic Textile Standard} and are completely organic - from the cotton crop to the dye chemicals, all the inputs used to make these jeans are completely environment friendly.

Where | Click here

Price | INR 1,800

 

Peace Silk Jewelry; Neesha Amrish | Check out this gorgeous statement neck piece made from organic and peace silk. Love the fuchsia, with the animal prints coming in a very close second!

jewelry-neesha-amrish

Good karma points | Neesha Amrish makes these necklaces using organic and peace silks.

Where | Click here and here.

Price | INR 5,300

 

Embellished Jacket; Example Clothing | This red biker jacket is for the “punk rock girl” in you and the cool kutch embellishments on it take it to a whole new level of badass. Perfect for that rock concert!

example-jacket-jaypore

Good karma points | The jacket tells the story of the rich cultural heritage of the Kutch region through its modern interpretation of contemporary mirror embroidery.

Where | Click here

Price | INR 9,500

 

Hand Crafted Jawaja Leather Bag; Gaatha.com | This hand crafted leather bag is for that music festival in the middle of the dessert or that camping weekend under the stars…  it goes with e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g. And if that wasn’t enough, there are several sizes to choose from!

jawaja-leather-gaatha

Good karma points | Hand made by the Regar artisans of Rajasthan, you are supporting a dying community of artisans through your purchase.

Where | Click here

Price | INR 2,100

 

Organic/Fair Trade Tees with Attitude; No Nasties | Love this collection of tees with attitude. No Nasties has something for everyone - tees for the rebel, the tree hugger, the animal lover and the romantic.

oui-t-shirts-no-nasties

Good karma points | No Nasties products are 100% organic and fair trade.

Where | Click here

Price | INR 799

 

Clothing; Mora | Mora translates to “Mine”, and is an organic extension of its Founder/Designer Ritika Mittal’s quest to revive the withering handloom tradition of Indian textiles. The pieces are one of a kind, handmade and unapologetic in their tribal aesthetic. Only you can know which Mora is yours and how it will wear you.

mora

Good karma points | Mora works in several states in North East India. Their mission is to help weaver communities retain their culture and have economic opportunity. Mora is working towards creating a network between weavers, designers and customers to provide unprecedented opportunities to these tribal communities, while maintaining their way of life.

Where | Click here

Price | On Request