Indian fashion designers are slowly regaining their foot in the market and in the process are also helping provide jobs to workers.
‘Together’ is one such initiative started by Karishma Shahani-Khan from her label Ka-Sha in collaboration with Megha Garg of MeghaGarg –The Label and Antar-Agni’s Ujjawal Dubey.
The initiative focuses on providing jobs to workers by creating masks and donating these masks to the needy.
“The idea behind this initiative was the fact that many are turning to manufacturing of these masks as a new business. While many asked to us to donate masks, the quantities were too high. So we looked for people who could donate material as well as tailors to whom we could provide jobs. Combined, we came up with this initiative to help such workers,” said Karishma.
She also mentioned that the future of Indian fashion lies in collaboration and while many may sell these masks at a fixed retail price, she preferred donating the masks to people in need rather than making a profit.
“Many have donated our masks not only in Mumbai but in places like Kolkata as one of my partners distributed them in her neighbourhood while local labour was employed,” she adds.
While commenting on the new normal, she says that while people as a collective are affected, many face different struggles and thus dealing with these struggles depends on person-to-person.
She also says “Whenever the world changes, it takes away some opportunities while also creating new ones. Collaboration is the way forward.”
Ka-Sha has been widely known for their sustainable products that cater to a contemporary audience. The brand explores storytelling through handicrafts in their clothing ranges.
Megha Garg manages her label in Kolkata which captures the essence of modern silhouettes in the form of fluid drapes and innovative fabrics.
Antar-Agni is Ujjawal Dubey’s label which focuses on diverse fabrics that speak through simplistic designs and construction.
