Traditional textiles and clothing choices as personal identity of Cosmopolitan Indians

Title: Traditional textiles and clothing choices as personal identity of cosmopolitan Indians

Sub theme: Geo-politics of fashion

Abstract: This paper explores a non-western perspective from India, identifying subscribers of a slower and more traditional textile revival lifestyle through their clothing and fashion choices. It questions this individual preference of social identity along with a need to be a part of a similar tribe, that in their own way resonates with a more sustainable lifestyle and fashion identity. Through a series of interviews and surveys in cosmopolitan cities, this paper will examine if choosing sustainability as a fashion choice is brought about because of the individual’s own sense of responsibility and ownership of the dying craft or do social structures and cultural mechanisms play a role in their choices.

Author : Shipra Kukreja, Assistant Professor, FD

Presented at: The Fashion Tales Conference 2020+1, Italy, June 2021