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Fashion With A Conscience: Threads of Tomorrow, A Preloved Fashion Show

Writer's picture: SWMRT CommunicationsSWMRT Communications


The Stigma of Using Old Clothes


Are there any among us who might have frowned upon hearing the word "thrift"? The urban

environment we inhabit has created a sense of elitism that often deters us from embracing the concept of thrifting and exchanging clothes. While we take pride in donating items, the notion of wearing someone else’s used clothes still carries a certain stigma. This hesitation stems from various factors, including societal norms and personal biases. Despite the environmental and economic benefits, many people prefer to spend substantial amounts of money on branded clothes rather than upcycling the old garments already in their possession. This reluctance to thrift and reuse our clothes can be attributed to an urban ideology that values newness and brand prestige over sustainability. Fast fashion brands, with their brilliant marketing strategies and endorsements from famous celebrities, further reinforce this mindset, making it seem more desirable to purchase new clothes for every occasion. The question arises: why are we so hesitant to embrace thrifting? Is it the influence of urban elitism, or the relentless push from fast fashion brands that continually promote the allure of the latest trends? The answer likely lies in a combination of both. The pervasive marketing tactics of fast fashion brands play a significant role in shaping consumer behavior, leading to a cycle of overconsumption and waste.


A Revival of The Roots


Consumerism is an age-old concept, stretching back to our ancient roots. Many of us have heard stories from our mothers about exchanging goods—mangoes for used utensils, old clothes for mud pots, antiques for dry fruits—or simply producing what we wanted to consume. It's been nine years since the official end of the barter system in India, a system where one could exchange items instead of buying new ones. The end of this system was a boon for a globalized capitalist market where product versions could change in a week. Now, we nostalgically bid farewell to a form of conscious consumerism where we made use of most of our resources. In its place, we embrace the whirlwind of mass production and rapid consumption. The simplicity and sustainability of bartering and resourcefulness have given way to the relentless pace of modern consumerism, where new is always better, and the next version is always just around the corner.


In this context of relentless consumerism, events like Threads of Tomorrow serve as elegant

reminders of our roots. These initiatives echo the principles of our past, where value was placed on sharing and resourcefulness. The Threads of Tomorrow: A Preloved Fashion Show,

successfully hosted by SWMRT (Solid Waste Management Round Table) and HCF (HSR Citizen Forum) on July 21, 2024, at Swabhiman Park, Bengaluru, celebrated the beauty of sharing, thrifting, donating, recycling, and upcycling textiles, preventing them from ending up in

landfills. As part of the Sustainable Living campaign by SWMRT, the preloved fashion show

attracted around 200 spectators and 60 enthusiastic participants to support sustainable fashion.

The fashion show transcended the typical runway spectacle, serving as a gripping appeal against the environmental impact of fast fashion. By conveying the culture of preloved and upcycled clothing, the event demonstrated how stylish and eco-friendly fashion can coexist. As we embrace the principles of thrift, swap, and repurpose, we reduce waste and promote

sustainability, echoing the values that once guided our ancestors.


Setting the Stage for the “Preloved”



The event began with a lively welcome from the hosts, Sahana from SWMRT and Sanjana from EcoDhaga, who set the tone with their spirited introduction. They emphasized that this

gathering was not just an event but a celebration of preloved fashion brought to life through the hard work of volunteers and partners. The hosts sparked curiosity with a rhetorical question: "What is that one season that never begins and never ends?" After a brief pause, they revealed the answer—the never-ending sale season, a phenomenon that fuels fast fashion, leading to overflowing landfills and environmental degradation. In a symbolic departure from traditional inaugurations, the event began with leaders dropping old clothes into a drop box for swapping, reusing, or recycling, and in exchange picking up the old clothes they liked from the box. This act illustrated the event’s purpose and set the stage for the day's activities. The fashion showcase aimed to spark a community movement toward sustainable fashion, encouraging everyone to become eco-conscious fashionistas.


The “preloved” fashion show featured three sequences of ramp walks, each amplifying the

creativity and style possible with preloved and upcycled clothing. First, students from The

Design Zone, Koramangala, presented their innovative designs, demonstrating how old

garments could be transformed into stylish, modern outfits. Next, citizens of Bangalore,

including members of the Indian Ploggers’ Army and Eco Dhaga walked the ramp, proudly

displaying their preloved outfits. Finally, the host team from SWMRT and HCF took to the stage, modeling their own upcycled and preloved clothing. The audience was treated to a vivid display of creativity and sustainability. From pre-loved skirts paired with mom’s jewelry to upcycled jumpsuits made from Benarasi sarees, each outfit told a story of thoughtful consumption and environmental consciousness. The show demonstrated how fashion could be both stylish and sustainable, encouraging the audience to rethink their own clothing choices.


Insights from the Sustainable Practitioners


Moreover, the gathering was a star-studded affair, with several notable guests sharing valuable

insights on sustainable fashion. Vani Murthy, affectionately known as the “compost queen,”

inspired the audience with her journey toward a low-impact, sustainable lifestyle. Dr. Priyanka

Abhishek, a dentist by profession and a sustainability enthusiast by passion, spoke about the

role of individual choices in combating the adverse impacts of fashion on the planet. Nayana

Premnath, a Cosmopolitan Blogger Award winner and vegan eco-warrior, brought fresh

perspectives on conscious consumerism and the importance of questioning the status quo. The presence of these speakers inspired the event with a spirit of sustainability, showcasing how individual actions can contribute to a more eco-friendly space.


Engaging the Community



The gathering was alive with activities designed to get the community hooked on sustainable

fashion. Ten stalls offered solutions for textile waste management, including options for

collection, thrifting, swapping, and responsible recycling. Attendees could interact with local

organizations and businesses dedicated to sustainable practices, learning more about how they could contribute to reducing textile waste. The stalls were set up by My Fab Point, EcoDhaga, Sustain Label, Hasiru Dala, Studio Amukta, Thrift Restore Bangalore, Resuse The Bag, Saahas Zero Waste, Sumruxit, and Bannada Daara. Stores of recycled clothes, handbags, stationery, and recycled accessories were sold at these stalls. Plus, attendees could donate and swap their clothes, making it a true fashion-forward event.


A Nudge Towards Action


Threads of Tomorrow accentuated the importance of reducing demand for new garments,

decreasing the strain on natural resources, and minimizing pollution. This event represented

that sustainable fashion is not a relic of the past but a viable path for the future. It called for a

collective shift toward more responsible consumption patterns, emphasizing that real change

begins with individual actions. The organizers expressed hope that the Threads of Tomorrow

fashion show would inspire more community-led initiatives, creating a culture of sustainability

and responsible consumption. They encouraged attendees to continue their journey towards

eco-conscious fashion, promoting practices like borrowing, repairing, and upcycling as the first

steps before buying new items.


***


References

"The Fair That Still Keeps Barter System Alive." Outlook India, 21 Nov. 2018,


This blog is by Variyata Vyas (SWMRT team)


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Solid Waste Management Round Table (SWMRT)
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