It's virtually impossible to find handloom fashion, handcrafted jewellery, organic skincare, wearable art, and stationery under one roof; but this is precisely what’s coming your way next month. The first edition of Kollage, an exhibition platform dedicated to slow fashion and the ethical way of living, is scheduled to be held at the casual dining café Wabi Sabi, between August 9 and 10.
The fashion and lifestyle exhibit will feature six city-based labels which are committed to sustainable and clean modes of production, and some of these names might just be very familiar to you. Bunon, a handloom sari haven, by designer Payel Dutta is a brand which delivers the most authentic weaves, straight from the artisan’s hut. Another popular label participating in Kollage is Riddhi Pankaj, the home of the stunningly Instagram-able Frida Kahlo sling bags, and a variety of other artsy accessories. Sangeeta Dutta’s ethnic wear label Pink Me Up Fashion will also, be a part of the exhibit.
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Beads & wood
Kollage is not just about sustainable fashion, but also has a focus on alternative, clean self-care, statement jewellery and artistic accessories; you’ll find a fantastic range of hand-crafted jewellery in metal, beads and wood, by Bhramori Roy’s handmade jewellery label, Jini’s Jewellery.
Snato— the luxury skincare label which has taken major leaps in the organic, clean-beauty spectrum in 2018—will also be a part of the line-up with their chemical-free, handmade soaps. Noodle Doodle by Roshni Bhattacharya, which has the most stunning, customised handpainted merchandise, will be featured as part of Kollage; you can expect to find her super quirky notebooks, bookmarks and badges on sale. “This is the first time we’re doing something which brings together fashion, art, jewellery and skincare. Payel came to me with the concept, and we then went about inviting some interesting names for the line-up,” Riddhi Kapoor, of Riddhi Pankaj, tells us.
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Totes & saris
Riddhi’s line of hand-stitched patchwork totes and kantha saddle bags have been a huge hit with millennial shoppers. Her brand new collection of vintage dollie bags and crochet sling bags are already a hit, and you’ll definitely find them at Kollage.
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“Ethical fashion means a new way of thinking about our clothes and accessories, and the impact that fashion has around the world. The exhibition will follow three terms: good, clean and fair. Good quality products, which have been developed with clean and ethical production processes without harming the environment, are what we’re offering. And of course, fair, accessible pricing for both producers and consumers,” says Payel Dutta of Bunon.
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Interestingly, Bunon offers a range of environmentally sound handwoven cotton saris, which have found a great connect with people from the city. Sustainable living seldom comes at a budget, but this exhibition has a huge focus on ethical lifestyle products and stationery at economical rates. Snato’s 100 per cent organic and versatile range of soaps made with all-natural ingredients like shea butter, sandalwood oil and goat milk, starts from `70 onwards. You’ll also find some very affordable, costume jewellery for daily wear, and an elaborate collection of artsy supplies.
On August 9 and 10. 12 pm to 9 pm.