Marsyangde Founder Arsya Giri on Sustainable & Heritage Fashion in The Himalayan Times’ TGIF

We are delighted to feature an interview with Marsyangde‘s founder, Ms. Arsya Giri, recently published in The Himalayan Times TGIF. Ms. Giri sheds light on her innovative approach to sustainable and heritage fashion, perfectly aligning with Marsyangde’s core values.

Sustainable Practices Rooted in Heritage

The interview delves into Marsyangde’s commitment to minimising fabric waste through advanced cutting techniques like upcycling and wool cutting. Ms. Giri emphasises the use of eco-friendly fabrics such as bamboo and hemp, drawing inspiration from Nepal’s majestic Marsyangde River, highlighting the brand’s dedication to preserving its natural heritage.

Combating Fast Fashion with Investment Pieces

Recognizing the detrimental impact of fast fashion on the environment, Marsyangde prioritises creating timeless investment pieces that transcend fleeting trends. Versatility is central to their designs, with detachable and reversible features allowing for multiple looks from a single garment. Additionally, made-to-measure and made-to-order practices minimise excess inventory and subsequent waste.

Promoting Nepali Culture and Sustainability Through Fashion

Ms. Giri acknowledges the growing awareness of the fashion industry’s environmental impact. She highlights Marsyangde’s participation in Mumbai Fashion Week 2023 as a platform to raise awareness. Their innovative pattern-cutting techniques garnered attention and sparked curiosity about the brand’s Nepali heritage, a source of immense pride.  Through such events, Marsyangde utilises fashion’s allure to advocate for both sustainability and cultural preservation.

The Future of Sustainable Fashion Shows

Ms. Giri proposes a shift towards exclusivity in promoting sustainable fashion.  She envisions a more selective approach to runway shows, prioritising quality over quantity. Exclusive events elevate the significance of each showcase, generating anticipation and focusing attention on the featured designs.

Balancing creativity with sustainability requires thoughtful planning. Ms. Giri highlights the potential to upcycle leftover materials from runway shows, such as fabric scraps, samples, and prototypes, into limited-edition pieces. This approach preserves heritage techniques while minimising waste.

Runway shows hold a captivating theatrical element, transcending mere clothing.  Ms. Giri suggests utilising lighting, music, and choreography to convey sustainability narratives. Imagine a backdrop depicting endangered landscapes, emphasising the urgency of conservation.  Sustainable luxury becomes a statement, not a trend, focusing on quality, limited-edition collections driven by demand.

A Dream Muse for Marsyangde

When asked about her ideal model to showcase Marsyangde designs, Ms. Giri selects Deepika Padukone. Ms. Padukone embodies the spirit of overcoming challenges and achieving dreams, resonating with Marsyangde’s focus on women’s empowerment and self-made success.

Sustainable Fashion with Heritage