When we think about environmental protection, we think about grand, sweeping efforts and large-scale protests, global campaigns and local nonprofits. But the truth is, to make a difference to our planet, you don't need to put everything else on hold and devote yourself solely to the mission. There are so many small changes we can make on our end, most of which we don't even know about, that will work wonders to help the environment. Take your closet, for instance. Do you love shopping for good-looking but cheap-quality clothes which you're bound to discard after wearing once or twice, just to repeat the whole process again? Are you fond of chasing trends that make their presence known loudly, just to fade away into irrelevance within a week or two?
Well, then we hate to break the news, but you aren't being sustainable or environment-friendly with your fashion choices. You're instead opting for fast fashion. Now, why is that not so great? Because fast fashion calls for a greater volume of garments to be mass-produced and hence leads to a greater negative impact on the planet. It's also very commonly riddled with issues related to the outsourcing of cheap labour, such as exploitation of worker rights and substandard working conditions for factory labourers.
So, what's the alternative? It's important to remember that while all textile production has some detrimental effect on the environment, there are certain sustainable fashion brands that strive towards minimising this damage. These brands genuinely put an effort into being eco-friendly and promoting sustainability by way of fabric sourcing, hiring workers, packaging etc. Brands like Kamakhyaa. Which brings us to what we're here for. We'd like to recommend some fabulous fashion picks from Kamakhyaa, a homegrown sustainable brand that aims to promote India's rich heritage of textiles, support local artisans and craftsmen, and aid our planet in recovering and recouping.
1. Cyera Halter A-Line Top
Price
INR 2,200
Why We Love It
Because it's undeniably classy, seriously sophisticated and impressively versatile when it comes to being paired with another piece of garment. The Cyere halter-neck A-line top from Kamakhyaa is constructed out of herbally dyed, GOTS certified organic cotton, and looks absolutely glorious in the light shade of nut cream. The standing halter neck design coupled with the voluminous hem area of the top and an elegant keyhole back are the features that magnify this simple top's appeal tenfold.
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
2. Meher Block Printed Kaftan
Price
INR 2,100
Why We Love It
Personally speaking, I'm a big fan of Kaftans because of how easily they seem to blend the notions of style and comfort. And this free-flowing Kaftan from Kamakyaa made of soft cotton mull is no different. Featuring a beautiful all-over floral block print and a delicate gathered waist, this Kaftan is ideal for an assortment of occasions, from Sunday brunch with the girls to an afternoon coffee date with your beau. Throw in some silver oxidised jewellery and dainty flats, and you're all set to attract gazes with this charming Kaftaan.
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
3. Beaming Horizon Culottes
Price
INR 2,202
Why We Love It
In the world of fashion minimal can often be undeniably charming, and this pair of culottes from Kamakyaa bear testimony to that fact. These lovely Chestnut brown textured culottes have been spun from organic Kala cotton, making them as summer-friendly as they're splendid in looks. With a super comfortable wide-leg silhouette and a length that falls right at the middle of your calf, this pair is bound to quickly become one of your most donned staple summer clothes this season.
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
4. Silk Crop Top
Price
INR 4,800
Why We Love It
Made of pure handwoven silk, and with a body fitting silhouette, this crop top is a thing of unadulterated luxury. We absolutely love the front open buttons along with the statement ruffled sleeves made of Chanderi silk fabric. Classy and utterly elegant, this crop top can be customised according to your size and preference, and will occupy a sterling place in your closet. You can pair it with wide-leg trousers, a breezy summer skirt or tailored pants, and look just as ethereal in all the looks.
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
5. Lilies & Lavender Dress
Price
INR 4,900
Why We Love It
Honestly, the real question here is, what's there not to love? This lavender dress adorned with intricate sunflower embroidery on the bodice is decidedly dreamy and oh so romantic. Perfect for ringing in the gorgeous spring-summer weather, this dress comes with a sleeveless deep-neck cut along with two tiers of sustainable high-quality fabric. We love how bright and cheery this maxi dress looks, as well as the myriad of styling options it would bring to one's wardrobe!
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
6. Cranberry Red Kurta Set
Price
INR 4,800
Why We Love It
One of my personal favourite picks from the brand so far, this Cranberry coloured kurta and pant set is, without a shadow of a doubt, as royal as it gets. Made with 100% organic cotton, and featuring golden zari lines all over in the weave, the Kurta from this ethnic wear set can also double up as a roomy summer dress. It also comes with a bias cut round neck, statement balloon sleeves with tie-up ends, and a tie-up opening around the back of the Kurta. The pants from the set are straight-cut, tailored, and again stylish enough to be paired with any other existing piece from your closet.
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
7. Sleeveless Top and Bottom Set
Price
INR 3,420
Why We Love It
Hand-spun hand-woven organic cotton comes beautifully alive in this 2-piece striped set of co-ords. The purple colour of this set is immensely flattering for all kinds of Indian complexion, and the dainty all-over stripes lend oodles of elegance to the already pretty piece. The sleeveless cotton top follows an A-line silhouette and features a 2-tier double-layered hem. The pants are tailored and structured with the hem falling right at the ankle. Make this co-ord your go-to summer office look, or wear it with bright accessories for a perfect weekend lunch outfit!
Image Courtesy - Kamakhyaa
Next time you find yourself in a splurging mood, invest in sustainable clothes that'll last you years without any compromise in quality. With a choice as simple as this, you can do your bit for the planet!