Fashion Visionaries: Shaping Tomorrow’s Luxury

On August 30, 2024, the Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO) Hyderabad hosted an enlightening roundtable conversation titled Fashion Visionaries: Shaping Tomorrow’s Luxury at The Quorum, Madhapur. The event was organised under the leadership of YFLO Chairperson, Ms. Ridhi Jain, in collaboration with #ConsciousEffort. This engaging session brought together India’s foremost advocates of sustainable fashion and heritage craftsmanship.

The distinguished panel featured industry stalwarts, including past FLO President and philanthropist Pinky Reddy, renowned textile and fashion designer Gaurang Shah, Behno New York founder Shivam Punjya, and Saahra founder Saachi Bahl. The conversation delved into the global recognition of India’s rich craft heritage and the future of luxury with a focus on sustainability.

*Pinky Reddy*, reflecting on her journey as an entrepreneur and FLO member, emphasised the growing respect and recognition for Indian craftsmanship, stating, “Our crafts are finally getting the recognition they deserve.” Her entrepreneurial vision has significantly contributed to promoting a modern yet culturally rich India, and her insights during the event underscored the importance of preserving this legacy.

*Gaurang Shah*, known for his commitment to Indian textiles, highlighted the unique diversity found in India’s handcrafted textiles, remarking, “The world is looking at India for fashion because nowhere else can you find such a rich variety of handcrafted textiles. Every few kilometres, you encounter different weaves, textures, colours, and designs.” He also addressed the challenges posed by modern trends, noting, “Instagram has killed my business instead of helping. It has become an adda for copycats.”

*Shivam Punjya*, whose work with Behno reflects a dedication to social impact and sustainable development, spoke about the global quality of Indian luxury products, particularly in the leather goods sector. “The way customers perceive the quality and outcome is completely in line with what we see coming out of Europe,” he mentioned, underlining India’s reclaimed heritage in the global luxury market.

*Saachi Bahl* shared her thoughts on the economic potential of sustainable fashion in India, pointing out that corporate investments are increasingly recognizing the value in sustainable practices. “In the end, they only care about the bottom line and profits, so obviously they see value here,” she noted, emphasising the growing waves of change within the industry.

The roundtable was not only an intellectual exploration of sustainable fashion but also a heartfelt conversation about the pride artisans should take in their craft. The panellists collectively agreed that the future of luxury lies in embracing sustainability and preserving traditional crafts.

*Ridhi Jain*, YFLO Chairperson, concluded the event by highlighting the collaboration’s role in raising awareness about the importance of heritage crafts, empowering women artisans, and recognizing the next generation of conscious shoppers as changemakers.

The event offered a cozy, interactive platform for participants to engage with the speakers, delving deep into the future of fashion and its alignment with sustainability. As one participant remarked, “It was a very cozy, interactive chat,” reflecting the intimate and impactful nature of the discussion.

In conclusion, the event underscored that when artisans start feeling pride and respect in their work, they will be motivated to continue their craft, ensuring the legacy of India’s rich cultural heritage endures for generations to come.