In sustainability, a closed loop system is where resources are used efficiently and waste is minimized, ensuring that the fashion industry can continue to operate in a sustainable manner for generations to come. Key components of sustainability in fashion include ethical sourcing, responsible manufacturing, and conscious consumerism.

As costume designers in Films, it’s urgent that we embrace these sustainable practices in every step of design, conception, fabrication, sourcing and in the end use of the garment once a film runs its course. 

In India, Handloom weaving has been a traditional craft in India for centuries, and it is now being embraced as a sustainable alternative to fast fashion. 

These textiles are made using natural fibers, such as cotton and silk, and are produced without the use of harmful chemicals. Additionally, handloom weaving provides livelihoods for rural communities and helps to preserve India's rich cultural heritage. Brands and designers in India are increasingly using handloom fabrics in their collections, promoting sustainability and supporting local communities.

Have you heard of the fable of sheep or lamb growing on trees in India? It was with the ancient Greeks, who during their forays into India were introduced to cotton, or "trees that bear wool,", and hence the magical country grew its sheep on trees Cotton was first grown in India at least 7,000 years ago in the Indus Valley Civilization. The cotton plant is probably native to the Indian Subcontinent. Gujarat is the largest producer of cotton in India The 'by default organic' Wagad cotton now has an organic certification and was branded as Kala Cotton, so named because of the boll attached to the cotton, which in turn, stains the picker's hands black (Kala).

The traditional Indian cotton weaving revolves around 'Khadi', cloth woven by hand using handspun yarn only. Fine cotton fabrics are also referred as Muslin. 'Mulmul khas', the royal muslin is the fabled and most famous cotton weave. 

An example in tailoring traditions in Mughal India were influenced by the rich cultural heritage of the Mughal Empire, which was known for its opulence and grandeur. The Mughal Emperors and their courtiers were famous for their elaborate and ornate clothing, which featured intricate embroidery, luxurious fabrics, and exquisite detailing. One of the most famous tailoring traditions in Mughal India was zardozi, which is a type of embroidery that uses gold and silver threads to create intricate designs on fabric. Zardozi was often used to embellish the clothing of the Mughal Emperors and their courtiers, and it remains a popular technique today in many parts of India and Pakistan.

In addition to zardozi, other traditional tailoring techniques in Mughal India included chikankari, which is a type of embroidery that uses white thread on white fabric, and bandhani, which is a type of tie-dyeing that is popular in Gujarat and Rajasthan.

The Calico Museum in Ahmedabad, Gujarat has restored and archived a brilliant walk down history of fashion and bespoke cultures of India. 

a word that confuses many. The word comes from Sartorius, which is the Latin name of the long leg muscle used when legs are crossed, like a tailor’s often are. It relates to tailoring-Traditional tailoring is called "bespoke tailoring" in the United Kingdom, where the heart of the trade is London's Savile Row tailoring, and "custom tailoring" in the United States and Hong Kong or what the ‘Darzi’ does in India. 

Famous fictional tailors include the tailor in the Tailor’s Needle, The Tailor of Gloucester, The Emperor's New Clothes and The Valiant Little Tailor.

Bio-iridescent sequins are biodegradable, compostable, and do not contain harmful chemicals. They have a unique shimmering quality that reflects light in different colors, creating a dazzling material.

The sequins have been first used in a dress worn by model and actress Cara Delevingne at the 2019 Met Gala. The dress, which is  made entirely from sustainable materials, including organic cotton and hemp, featured hundreds of Radiant Matter sequins in a silver and black color scheme.

Stella McCartney's use of Radiant Matter sequins demonstrates her commitment to creating sustainable fashion without sacrificing style.

MYLO™ - Is a leather- like material made from mycelium, the underground root structure of mushrooms. Mylo is a great sustainable option for leather since it's completely plant based.

There are several reasons why choosing mylo leather over animal leather is a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice.

Firstly, mylo leather is a cruelty-free and vegan alternative to traditional animal leather, which involves the use of animal hides and skins. The production of animal leather often involves the use of harmful chemicals, which can pollute the environment and harm workers in leather tanneries. In contrast, mylo leather is produced without the use of toxic chemicals, making it a more environmentally friendly option.

Secondly, the production of mylo leather requires significantly less land, water, and energy than traditional animal leather. The mycelium used to produce mylo leather can be grown in controlled environments, using fewer resources and producing less waste. In comparison, the production of animal leather requires large amounts of land, water, and energy, as well as the use of animal feed and other resources.

Lastly, mylo leather has the potential to reduce the environmental impact of the fashion and leather industries. The production of traditional animal leather is a significant contributor to deforestation, greenhouse gas emissions, and other environmental problems. By choosing mylo leather, consumers can support more sustainable and eco-friendly production methods, which can help reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

Overall, choosing mylo leather over traditional animal leather is a more sustainable and eco-friendly choice, which can help protect the planet and reduce the environmental impact of the fashion industry.

One of the most well-known companies using mylo leather is Bolt Threads, which is a biotechnology company that specializes in developing sustainable materials for the fashion industry. Bolt Threads has partnered with several well-known brands, including Adidas, Lululemon, and Stella McCartney, to create products using mylo leather.