The global fashion industry has long been criticized for its environmental impact, and in India, where textiles play a significant role in the economy, the challenge of sustainable fashion is even more pronounced. Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW), one of India’s most influential fashion events, has been actively addressing these concerns by promoting sustainability in multiple ways. From showcasing eco-friendly fabrics to supporting ethical production practices, LFW is shaping the future of responsible fashion in India.
Encouraging the Use of Sustainable Fabrics
One of the key aspects of sustainability in fashion is the choice of materials. Lakme Fashion Week has provided a platform for designers who prioritize the use of environmentally friendly fabrics. Traditional textiles like khadi, organic cotton, handloom weaves, and peace silk have taken centre stage, allowing designers to promote India’s rich heritage while reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Additionally, the introduction of fabrics made from bamboo, hemp, and recycled fibres is gaining momentum, offering viable alternatives to synthetic materials that contribute to pollution. This shift towards natural and biodegradable textiles is a step forward in minimizing the long-term environmental damage caused by conventional fashion production.
The Rise of Upcycling and Zero-Waste Fashion
Another hot trend at LFW in the sustainable stakes is upcycling and zero-waste fashion. The design companies Doodlage and I Was a Sari have led the charge in using throwaway textiles, turning leftovers of fabric scraps into new and stylish pieces. By recycling already-available materials instead of discarding them, these designers are cutting down on textile waste, one of the fashion industry’s biggest contributors to environmental pollution. Zero-waste pattern-making — in which garments are designed to use fabric in a way that doesn’t leave behind strips of excess scraps — has also increasingly been practiced by conscious fashion brands.
Ethical Production and Artisan Empowerment
Beyond fabric choices, LFW has also emphasized the importance of ethical production. Many participating designers collaborate directly with Indian artisans, ensuring fair wages and improved working conditions for weavers and craftsmen. Labels like Eleven Eleven and Ka-Sha focus on fair trade practices, where artisans receive equitable pay and recognition for their work. This approach not only preserves traditional handloom and embroidery techniques but also provides economic stability to rural communities that depend on textile production.
Technology’s Role in Sustainable Fashion
Sustainability is not just about materials and labour—it also involves reducing the overall carbon footprint of the industry. LFW has increasingly adopted digital platforms, with phygital (physical + digital) fashion shows becoming more common, particularly since the pandemic. Digital showcases allow for wider accessibility while reducing travel emissions and resource consumption typically associated with large-scale fashion events. This shift to virtual runway shows, 3D garment rendering, and AI-driven design processes is an example of how technology can support sustainability efforts in the fashion world.
Changing Consumer Mindsets
While the fashion industry can make sustainable choices, consumer behaviour ultimately plays a significant role in determining the success of these initiatives. LFW has actively engaged in awareness campaigns that educate consumers on the benefits of slow fashion, conscious consumerism, and investing in quality over quantity. Many designers and brands at the event advocate for buying fewer but better-quality pieces that last longer, rather than following the rapid turnover of fast fashion trends. Events such as Sustainable Fashion Day, held during LFW, serve as a platform to discuss and promote these ideas, helping shift public perception towards more mindful consumption.
The Path Ahead
Lakmé Fashion Week as an institution has grown and contributed to the Indian fashion lexicon heavily, but spaces in terms of sustainability still have a long way to go. Organic textiles and humane production methods are typically more expensive than mass-produced fast fashion, making it nearly out of reach for the average consumer. Widespread adoption of sustainable practices, including small, independent designers and large fashion houses and retailers, will still require continued effort, investments, and policy incentives. But LFW is already showing the path ahead, that sustainable fashion is not just a passing trend and can coexist with high fashion, and with heightened awareness and an ongoing push, set a trend for responsible fashion in the country.