July 29: IDT (Institute of Design and Technology) in association with MANTRA organized a Sustainable Fashion Conclave and a mega event Fashionova 2022 which was first of its kind for the city’s fashion landscape. The primary aim behind this event was to introduce the concept of sustainability to the ever-evolving textile and fashion industry of Surat.
On 26 June, 2022 the diamond city of Surat witnessed a grand gathering of all the fashion elite under one roof. The event was held at Platinum Hall, SGCCI convention centre, Sarsana, Surat, and was attended by some of the renowned celebrities, fashion designers, models, industry experts and buyers.
All the collections exhibited in the show were designed using sustainable and eco-friendly materials and techniques. Thus they are encouraging sustainable manufacturing processes in the textile sector. Through their efforts, they wish to bring forth the concept of ‘Go Green’ in the fashion and textile industry. Fashionova 2022 offered the ultimate fashion experience to consumers; with hundreds of designer garments, different brands, industry talks and style presentations. Known for its creativity and innovation, this event attracted an audience of industry professionals from across the country to explore more areas of sustainable clothing.
The conclave was conducted with the industry stalwarts discussing the need to shift to sustainable fashion. Rajnikant S. Bachkaniwala (President MANTRA) talked about sustainability in textiles, Mangesh K (IDFL, India) spoke on importance of sustainability and certifications, Swapneshu Baser (DSPL, Mumbai) talked about green technology for textile dyeing using supercritical fluid, Anjani Prasad (Archroma) spoke about sustainability in apparels, Dr P.P Raichurkar, (Director MANTRA) shared his knowledge on R&D activities on sustainable technologies of Mantra, Munjal Parikh (Research Coordinator, MANTRA) guided the audience on the recent MANTRA patents on pollution prevention and sustainability, Akash Marfatia (GBM fabrics, Surat) explained about the innovative textile sustainable high fashion women’s wear fabrics, Dr Virendra K Gupta (R&D Head Polymer and Senior Vice President, Reliance Industries Ltd) spoke on sustainable fashion industry through functional thinking and circularity.
The conclave concluded with the understanding that looking at the global climatic concerns, sustainability in textile manufacturing is the need of the hour combined with environment friendly practices. Textile and Fashion industry has a major role to play in promoting eco-friendly garments and materials. MANTRA is their pillar of support which can guide and implement sustainable practices through its technical staff and certain applications related to energy consumption, recycling of water, green technology and much more. They emphasize on reuse and recycle of raw materials and fabrics, protect environment through effective product life cycle, and perform environment audit in advance and high value added products in the textile sector. The main focus areas of R&D applications include:
- Application of plasma technology in textile
- Eco-friendly and weight reduction techniques in crepe, georgette and chiffon fabric manufacturing
- Energy and enviro audit
- Water less dyeing technology supercritical
To support the entire product cycle traceability, MANTRA-IDT-IDFL have collaborated to initiate various sustainable programs in the textile manufacturing processes. RS Bachkaniwala, President, MANTRA shared, “This is a great initiative in the field of sustainable fashion. Together with IDT, we aim to initiate sustainable manufacturing in decentralised and organised sectors of the textile market through promotion of sustainable manufacturing processes.”
The Conclave was followed by a spectacular Fashion Show choreographed by Keyur Desai. At the grand event, models from Mumbai walked the ramp in captivating outfits designed by the students of IDT. Fashionova 2022 presented new themes focusing on waste reduction and celebrating reuse in their collection for a sustainable future. The technical jury panel comprised renowned names such as Gayatri Iyer, Sangeeta Choksi and Seema Kalavadia. The designer jury panel included reputed names of the industry like Niti Singha (Founder, Twee in One and Shark Tank Fame), Rajat Suri (Founder, Unit by Rajat Suri), Prerna Gupta and Chandrakala Sanap. The chief guest of the event was Usha Paul, Deputy Director General, Ministry of Textiles. Roop Rashi, Textile Commissioner, Government of India attended the event virtually and motivated the students Keeping in mind the concept of sustainability as well as our ancient art forms and culture, the Grand Finale showcased many beautiful inspirational compilations on different themes such as Kala Fusion, Street Walkers, Twisted Glimmer, Go and Ro, Tree of Life, Forget Me Not, Mix and Match, Second Chance and many others.
The fashion show also showcased the forgotten traditional art forms of India like Gond, Rogan art, madhubani painting etc. The students of IDT with support from MANTRA have designed an exclusive collection based on the Sanjhi art form of Mathura. This way they wish to bring the ancient and traditional art forms in limelight while creating awareness for the same among the masses.
Ashok Goyal, Chairman, IDT shared, “We are grateful to MANTRA for joining us on this noble cause. We strive to cater to a large audience by connecting sustainable fashion with luxury through this fashion show. Together, we wish to bring more innovations for the fashion industry through its sustainable practices.”
IDT’s Fashionova 2022 was indeed a global platform celebrating Fashion, Innovation &Sustainability. It was a glamour pack affair with a perfect blend of designers and famous brands from the industry. This show has been an inspiration to industrialists, designers and the audience to shift to a more environment friendly fashion choice.
