Sustainable Fashion Designer Pinkal Lad on Innovation, Style, and Ethics

In this exclusive interview with DESIblitz, fashion designer Pinkal Lad talks about her journey as a designer and her dedication to sustainability in the fashion industry. She shares insights into her favourite collections, upcoming projects, and advice for aspiring designers.

is a fashion designer from India who is passionate about creating sustainable fashion designs. She has been selected to showcase her collections during Paris Fashion Week and London Fashion Day. In this exclusive interview with DESIblitz, Pinkal Lad talks about her journey as a designer and her commitment to sustainability in the fashion industry.

Q: Can you tell us about your journey as a fashion designer?

A: I was born and raised in Gujarat, India, which is known for its fabrics and materials, and its rich cultural heritage. My passion for fashion grew as I explored the vibrancy of my cultural heritage. I pursued my career in fashion in Mumbai and completed my Masters in Manchester where I developed my ideas and designs. I was selected to present my brand at Paris Fashion Week and have also been chosen to showcase my new Spring/Summer collection at the prestigious London Fashion Day in April.

Q: What inspired you to focus on sustainability in fashion?

A: The fashion industry emits almost the same quantity of greenhouse gases as France, Germany, and the UK combined. Textile workers in developing countries are often paid derisory wages and work in appalling conditions and very long hours. I believe we have the power and the will to cause change. I am committed to promoting sustainability in fashion design, using fabrics with increased durability, and spreading awareness of fashion sustainability. We can all make a difference by asking questions such as 'Do I really need this?' or 'Can I get another wear from this?' and by increasing recycling to transform the linear lifeline of fashion into the circular fashion life cycle.

Q: What can we expect from your upcoming Spring/Summer collection?

A: My Spring/Summer collection will promote hope, wonder, and optimism. It will be expressive and mood-lifting with a palette of serene Spring and bright Summer colors. I have used Summer holiday silhouettes, mixing fabrics and shapes, which will flatter all body styles. My fabric of choice will be Khadi, first promoted by Mahatma Gandhi as 'swadeshi', or 'of one's own country'. Khadi is an affordable, comfortable fabric that follows body contours, yet can also be loose-fitting, giving sleek, classic, and beautiful creations. Because Khadi requires limited electricity and no energy in its manufacture, it has an extremely low footprint and is globally recognized for its sustainability and eco-friendliness.

Q: Which collection is your favorite, and why?

A: My favorite collection is Faded, which pays homage to the 700-year-old Tangaliya weaving craft, native to the Dangashiya community of Surendranagar, Gujarat. This collection honors artisans, celebrates the richness of culture, and identifies their beautiful contribution to humanity's diversity. With this collection, I wanted the consumer to ask questions about crafts and designs and about the artisans who, without any mechanical devices, create intricate, beautiful patterns and forms. Tangaliya is a labor-intensive and tedious process, and the artisans clearly have a high level of skill and an eye for accuracy.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring fashion designers?

A: The key is to be patient and never give up. Fashion designing can be overwhelming and challenging, but if you exchange ideas with your team from sourcing fabrics to designing and manufacturing, it will become a great deal easier. Don't be afraid of rethinking and redesigning, and don't give up. Reflect on where you went wrong, keep your spirits up, and start over. Make sustainability your mission because our actions and choices, both as fashion designers and consumers, will decide the future of our planet.

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Pinkal Lad's passion for sustainable fashion designs is inspiring and innovative. As we strive towards a more sustainable future, Pinkal Lad believes that sustainable fashion should not be viewed as a trend but rather as a fundamental component of the fashion industry. She believes that it should be integrated into every aspect of the industry, from design to production and consumption.

When asked about her approach to sustainable fashion, she emphasized the importance of using natural materials, such as cotton, silk, and wool, which have a lower environmental impact than synthetic materials like polyester and nylon.

She also advocates for reducing waste in the production process and finding ways to repurpose and recycle materials. In her own designs, she incorporates traditional crafts techniques, such as hand-weaving and embroidery, to give back to the communities in need.

In addition, Pinkal Lad is committed to supporting ethical manufacturing practices. She believes that fashion brands have a responsibility to ensure that the workers who make their clothes are treated fairly and paid a living wage.

As a designer, Pinkal Lad sees herself as a storyteller. She believes that fashion can be a powerful tool for communicating cultural identities and celebrating diversity. By incorporating elements from different cultures into her designs, she hopes to promote a message of inclusivity and social justice.

No doubt Pinkal Lad is a talented designer who is committed to promoting sustainability, ethical manufacturing practices, and cultural diversity in the fashion industry. Her designs are a testament to her passion for creating beautiful, timeless pieces that are as sustainable as they are stylish. As the fashion industry continues to grapple with its environmental and social impacts, designers like Pinkal Lad are paving the way for a more sustainable and equitable future.

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