IS THIS A NEW TREND?

By Sudhnashu Singh

With growing awareness and concern about climate change, global warming, and dumping in the oceans, consumers are getting conscious of what they’re earning and wearing The Fashion industry is now undergoing a sort of awakening and transitioning into a more sustainable arena This led to the ecological fashion trend

The sustainable Fashion industry incorporating sustainable selections in developed and emerging economies

Tie dye and patchwork remerging in the fashion styles seem to be an effect of the same consciousness Even though Organic fashion or ethical fashion trends require a prolonged production process compared to its counterpart, with a change in consumer mindset, supply chains and market players trying hard to mitigate reputation risks by reducing their product’s impact on the environment project optimism According to the sustainable fashion industry statistics, the market is expected to rise to $9 81 billion in 2025 and $15 17 billion in 2030 at a CAGR of 9 1 percent, due to the growing awareness of ethical fashion in India

Tracing the origin, the existence of this art form dates back as early as 4000 B C Evidence of tie-dye known as “Bandhani” exists from the Indus Valley Civilisation, which continues to be craŌed in India to this day Besides that, there are artefacts of this resist dyeing technique, known as Shibori which dates back to the 8th century Although introduced earlier, the craft became popular during the late 1960s in the form of a psychedelic pattern The great thing about Tie-Dye is that it's cost-effective. The equipment needed for tie-dye is easily available and inexpensive It does not require the use of machinery Besides, the patterns for tie-dye are always unique No two fabrics can ever be identical And it can be done in a wide range of colours However, depending on the pattern, it can be labour-intensive Patchwork is another entrant in the popular fashion trend, it has recently featured in the SS13 and AW13 international catwalk shows Another reason for its rising popularity is that there is a plethora of products out there in which expertise and creativity can coalesce: experimenting & creating the perfect patchwork There are skirts, casual shirts, hats, tees, pants, dresses, coats, jumpsuits, shorts, scarves, stoles and denim with patchwork that have made it to the display windows of designer stores Apart from quilts, patchwork is also being used in tapestry, curtains, sofa cloth and bedcovers

Its unique feature of utilizing old clothes and materials makes it more appealing to eco-sensitive consumers From a variety of colours to several fabrics at once or from a combination of bright and dull colours to the amalgamation of different prints, patchwork is in vogue and is likely to make a mark for itself in the style statement