In India, fashion is more than what you wear, it’s often who you are, where you come from, and, increasingly, what you stand for. While fast fashion continues to churn out disposable trends, a quieter, more powerful movement is gaining ground- artisan and women-led fashion collectives that use craft as a medium for livelihood, sisterhood, and cultural pride.
These collectives aren’t just producing beautiful garments and accessories; they’re creating spaces for women to gain financial independence, pass down traditional knowledge, and reimagine their futures. From desert communities in Rajasthan to weaving hubs in Kutch, these initiatives show that ethical fashion in India isn’t a trend, it’s a deeply rooted legacy reawakened.
Here are some of the most impactful collectives where fashion meets empowerment:
Saheli Women: Empowering Rural Rajasthan, One Stitch at a Time
Based in Rajasthan, Saheli Women is a social enterprise founded by The Institute for Philanthropy and Humanitarian Development (IPHD). It trains and employs local women in stitching and embroidery, creating ethically made clothing for Indian and global brands.
So far, Saheli has positively impacted 100+ women artisans and offers fair wages, safe working conditions, and dignity in work. Their partnerships prove that slow fashion can be chic, impactful, and community-first.
The Kishkinda Trust: Economic Development with a Heritage View
Set against the ruins of Hampi, Karnataka, the Kishkinda Trust works with local women to revive the regional craft of banana fibre weaving. It’s built on the philosophy that tourism, craft, and women’s empowerment can co-exist. Kishkinda offers a line of Handwoven Desi Oon mats, carpets, coasters as well as banana fibre-lined accessories. Their products reflect the ethos of a region and the strength of women who choose tradition as a path forward.
Kamli Tribes
Founded by five women in Udaipur, Kamli Tribes is a Craftmark-certified collective empowering over 200 tribal women artisans from Rajasthan. For the past seven years, they’ve been blending indigenous skills like hand embroidery and hand-stitching with eco-conscious materials such as jute and wood to create functional products, ranging from bags, jewellery, board games, and stationery to everyday home items. More than just a brand, Kamli Tribes champions self-sustenance through local craft, uplifting communities while preserving India’s handmade traditions.
Image Source: Flourish.shop
Mahila Umang Producers Company Ltd.
Mahila Umang Producers Company Ltd. is a women-led collective in Uttarakhand, working with self-help groups to create sustainable livelihoods through micro-enterprises rooted in fair trade, ecology, and equity. Their beautifully hand-knitted and woven textiles, including sweaters, scarves, stoles, caps, home furnishings, and accessories, are crafted by women artisans across 50 hamlets in the Kumaon Himalayas. Using natural fibres and traditional skills, Umang’s textile products reflect mountain craft and conscious design. With each purchase, consumers directly support these resource-poor households, uplifting artisan communities through fair trade, not aid.
Avani Earthcraft Cooperative
Avani brings the beauty of natural, ethical textiles from the Kumaon hills of Uttarakhand to a global audience. Rooted in traditional spinning, weaving, and natural dyeing techniques, every Avani textile is handcrafted by local artisans, mostly women, using plant-based dyes and eco-friendly materials. Through the Kumaon Earthcraft Self-Reliant Cooperative, owned and managed by artisans, farmers, and dye collectors, Avani empowers the local community with fair trade and sustainable livelihoods. Their award-winning, Craftmark and GOTS-certified products, ranging from handwoven fabrics and stoles to lifestyle goods, reflect Kumaon’s rich textile heritage while championing conscious fashion.
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