Shop Sahar Mansoor's, Founder, Bare Necessities, Pick Of Sustainable Brands 2022

ITO (from the Japanese word that means woven), a brand born in bustling Bombay, is the exact opposite of Maximum City. Sahar tells us the reason she loves this brand so much is that they have timeless pieces. The outfits are made using traditional weaving and dyeing techniques, and by karigars and artisans from across the country. “The outfits are versatile, and I can wear them if I lose a few inches, or even put on some. It’s great as maternity wear too,” Sahar says, clarifying she is not near having a baby! 

Using only natural fibres to create outfits, Sahar picks Wear Sui for their lovely hemp outfits, hand-embroidered dresses, and earth-friendly motifs - trees and florals. Trousers, dresses, tees, shirts and shirt jackets, you can pick from plenty here. Colours range from grey, white and blue to brighter orange, pink and yellow, too. 

This one uses only earth-friendly yarn, making versatile outfits that you can wear to work, to brunch or to just lounge at a cafe with a friend. They are also currently doing a lot for Covid relief, which Sahar says really goes to show that they are all about making a social difference, no matter the platform. Check out their natural, plant-based and recycled textiles, that comin in the form of trendy shirts with string backs, shirt dresses, bralettes, slip dresses, trousers, skirts and more. 

Crafting clothing from upcycled factory waste, Doodlage is trendy, unique and will make you stand out, all while being eco-friendly. With no real set collection, they have limited edition collections that are made into garments ranging from dresses, trousers, co-ords, sarees, shirts and more. 

“Soft cottons and breathable fabrics. I love the EKA aesthetic!” Sahar also loves that they have feminine cuts, colours (white and pink, specifically). They also really take care of their artisans very well which wins them brownie points. 

Quoted as telling the brand, Sole Sisters that she “loves the soulful shoes that are comfortable and long-lasting to get me through the day”, she recommends them to us for those same reasons. And for the fact that they are also zero-waste. They handcraft shoes (with love and care, no less) in pops of colour. Think Mary Janes, kolhapuris, flats and sandals. 

"I love that these folks do forest colours and in feminine cuts.". Think forest green and soft grey outfits.  Plus, the merchandise always comes with a handwritten note, and packaging that will make you want to order over and over again.