When Devyani Kapoor started her fashion blog five years ago, she made a conscious effort to showcase smaller, independent labels. It was then that she discovered slow fashion and all the hashtags and jargon that come with it. “Through these brands, I started learning about slow fashion and terms like ‘Who Made My Clothes’,” recalls the blogger-turned-entrepreneur-turned-designer. It was not surprising that, soon, she shifted completely to ethical labels and discovering new designers became a passion. “This was when I got the idea to create a platform for sustainable and eco-conscious brands. I felt like they were not getting their due and it was important for people to get to know about them,” she explains.
Back to the start
Shuffling Suitcases, a travelling pop-up dedicated entirely to slow fashion was born two years ago, in Kolkata. “I was expecting about 50 - 60 visitors, but we ended up having a footfall of 2,500, all entirely through word of mouth. This was very encouraging so I decided to take it to other cities as well,” she shares. Since then, it has been held in Mumbai, Delhi and Singapore, and will be coming to Bengaluru for the second time next weekend.
What to expect
One of the highlights of the two-day event is Blacksheep by Breviloquent, Devyani’s six-month-old label, which focuses on black and white clothing. Other interesting names that will be participating are Xander (treated jute and leather bags created with zero wastage), Iruag (an organic streetwear label), Bhomra (jamdani, Dhakai and taant weaves in a modern avatar) and Adra (chikankari kurtas). If you’re looking for statement jewellery, you’ll be sure to find something at the Earthaments stall, which specialises in handcrafted silver and brass jewellery or at Bhavya Ramesh, known for its tribal and vintage accessories.
Talking about what makes her pop-up different, Devyani says, “We aim to sell not just their products, but their passion and stories as well.”
Entry free. May 31 and June 1. At Raintree, Sankey Road