5 minute read

Few countries have used fabric as a tool to achieve freedom. And that’s the reason why nearly seven decades after India gained its hard-won independence, the ‘Ahimsa fabric’ continues to inspire people around the globe. A sustainable fabric that embodies a worldview of the past as well as of the future, it is a symbol of Indian textile heritage. One of the miracles of India is that we still have a distinctive fashion handwriting, thanks to our handloom weavers. Aeshaane is proud to be a small part of this accomplishment, by hand weaving eco-friendly textiles and supporting small clusters of rural weavers and their families. 

Our Silk Is Eco-Friendly

Since silk is a natural fibre that is spun by the silkworm in a natural environment, our products are completely eco-friendly. Our products are made from premium quality silk that is handcrafted using azo-free non-toxic dyes.

Our Silk Is Sustainable

The last few months have been a catalyst of change. COVID has forced many of us to rethink our own consumption patterns and realise that we can’t keep taking more from nature than we can give back. Sustainability is relevant, now, more than ever! Being a sustainable brand is not just using eco-friendly materials, but also about transparency and ethical production methods. Sustainability has many aspects, like at aeshaane we do not exploit the people who make your clothes. And as a brand we do not believe in producing as many collections as possible per year, in fact we do not even hold stock and all our pieces are made to order. Again, our silk products are made from high quality natural materials that are made to last for years. Click on Purpose, Vision & Values to learn more.

Our Silk Is Animal Friendly

Ahimsa silk, also known as Peace silk or Non-violent silk, refers to any type of silk that is produced without harming or killing the silk worms. Ahimsa silk is not only environmentally friendly and ethical, it’s also extremely luxurious in terms of the drape and texture of the fabric. The word “Ahimsa” is derived from Sanskrit and translates as “do no harm”. This is in contrast to conventional silk, where 3,000 caterpillars are boiled in hot water to create one pound of silk. This method clearly kills the silkworm, breaking the chain of ethical processing. However, we believe in slow silk farming, where the fibre gets extracted from empty cocoons. After a silk worm has spun its cocoon, it will transform into a moth and secrete a liquid to dissolve a hole to hatch, therefore completing the chain of circular farming. This means they do not need to be boiled and hence the silk is naturally cruelty-free. The hole in the cocoon results in the silk fibres being shortened. These staples are then spun together to create a yarn which, compared to filament silk, is less-lustrous, thicker, and beautifully slubbed. Hand spun and hand woven Ahimsa silk retains properties lost during conventional means of silk production.

LOW CARBON FOOTPRINT

Even though silk is strong, dense and highly durable natural fibre, it’s readily biodegradable after serving its full lifecycle. The art of raising silkworms is by nature, highly sustainable, leaving a near zero energy carbon footprint, satisfying a majority of the global sustainable fabric production guidelines and has a far lower climatic impact. Research shows that a regular washing machine uses around 1000 litres of water per week besides power consumption. At aeshaane, when it comes to washing and tumble drying we rely on our hands than on machines, thereby lowering our energy and carbon footprints. We also encourage line drying our clothes instead of opting for the dryer. Our pieces dry naturally in the sun. 

WATER CONSERVATION

We are very careful with the way we wash our garments as it plays an extremely vital role in mitigating our water footprint. Our wash care instructions include just airing out the fabric after wearing it, so you don’t have to wash it each time. By washing less we save on the most important resource of water, thereby increasing the longevity of our clothes.

RESPONSIBLE FASHION

Silk is made up of two natural proteins, fibroin and sericin. Compared to the endless list of products manufactured from synthetic chemicals and fossil fuels, this is one of the world’s most revered natural products. Besides our dyes are non-toxic and Azo-free. 

RE-USE, REDUCE, REPAIR AND UPCYCLE

Silk is an extremely strong and durable natural fibre. As long as it stays clean and dry, isn't stretched or over-exposed to sunlight, our silk products could last you a lifetime! Besides ours is made to order fashion, where each piece is specially handcrafted for you since the items are not produced in advance. We do not make products for a season or fashion, but to last, thereby reducing over consumption and waste. We are careful with how much we stock. We plan to make our styles to be a permanent part of our collection, just like they are designed to be a permanent part of your wardrobe. When you invest in our Peace silk fabric, you not only build your conscious wardrobes with quality, long-lasting items, but also help prevent excessive waste and turnover. We celebrate re-use, swapping and encourage you to repair your piece whenever possible.

Racing around a fast fashion store scanning the piles and piles of should haves is nothing like wandering around a slow fashion store scouring the rails for a must - have. Like they say, ‘The most sustainable garment is the one that’s already in your closet’! It could be things you’ve had forever, vintage garments, flea market finds or artisan made treasures to organic garments. The perpetual idea that we constantly need to keep buying new clothes is redundant. You don’t always have to be seen in something new! Owning a garment that you treasure and love to wear again and again is a revolution in itself. Not all revolutions need to be loud, they can be quiet but sound choices that we make every day; like our luxurious silk shawls crafted from Natural Peace silk or our Upcycled cocoon necklaces that you can cherish for years to come. They don’t age even after many wears, are extremely easy to maintain and great travel companions besides being meaningful gifts for your loved ones. By owning these, you not only have something that can be passed down generations, but also make a direct positive impact on the lives of the artisans who create them, besides caring for your only home. My treasure cove consists of some of my Mom’s sarees that she wore when she got married, my Grand mum’s Pashmina and some heirloom jewellery that are expressions of love, belonging and an archive of a family’s legacy and traditions. 

SWAPPING

At aeshaane, we love swapping and giving old garments a new home! Swap, buy vintage, rent a garment, these are some sustainable alternatives to buying new clothes. We know it’s difficult in these times, but if you can swap clothes safely with a family member, then do it. Every new item has a carbon footprint and by using one that is already made, you don’t consume new energy. When I was younger it was normal to exchange clothes with your sister, or borrow an accessory from a friend. I always wore my Mom’s sarees and still cherish them. My dad would buy me new clothes only on couple of occasions a year, like festivals and birthdays. Today, however things are radically different. You’re a social outcast if you’ve worn an outfit more than once and social media only adds to the pressure. Have you ever wondered what happens to that piece of garment? How many of us are guilty of adding heaps and heaps of clothing to the landfill?
Well, we have to change our way of engaging with fashion by buying less and wearing more! Start small, host a swap meet. It’s like a play date of sorts, but for the ladies. And what’s more, you get to go home with a whole new pre-loved wardrobe and still do your bit for the planet. Together we can revolutionize fashion and bring about a change. Have you been to a swap meet? We would love to hear your swap story.