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British Council Exhibition: Making Matters India and the UK
Location: British Council, 17 Kasturba Gandhi Marg, New Delhi
Dates: On till December 9, 2024
Timings: 10:00 AM – 5:30 PM
About the Exhibition
Making Matters India and the UK brings together cutting-edge sustainable practices and indigenous craftsmanship, spotlighting collaborative efforts between India and the UK in creating climate-positive solutions for the fashion and textile industry. The exhibition emphasizes rethinking sustainability through innovative materials, traditional methods, and a combination of new technologies and indigenous crafts.
This platform serves as a hub for textile industry professionals, academics, and market stakeholders to share insights, discuss climate-conscious practices, and explore collaboration opportunities.
Key Initiatives and Highlights
- Innovative Materials and Designs
BEQUIN Sequins: Eco-friendly sequins made from algae and cellulose as an alternative to conventional, pollutant-heavy materials.
Recycled Textiles: Fabrics made from post-consumer and textile waste, turning discarded materials into high-quality fashion inputs.
Circular Khadi: A collaborative project by Conserve India that integrates recycled handloom cotton waste into the traditional khadi fabric production chain. This initiative addresses textile waste while uplifting rural communities through sustainable practices. - Bridging Tradition and Innovation
The Darn Initiative: Focuses on preserving heritage repair techniques by connecting skilled menders with consumers across India. This practice not only extends the lifespan of garments but also helps revive and celebrate traditional craftsmanship.
Artisan Residency Programs: Through this program, Indian artisans, like one from Kutch, Gujarat, spent weeks in the UK to exchange ideas, work with stakeholders, and learn innovative approaches. They brought back knowledge to improve practices in India, showing how traditional skills can adapt to modern demands. - Collaborative Efforts
The exhibition is a joint effort of prominent partners from both countries:
Conserve India: Promoting recycled and sustainable fashion inputs.
Khadi London: A UK-based nonprofit that specializes in regenerative fabrics and works to popularize khadi globally.
Khamir (Kutch): A platform dedicated to the crafts, heritage, and cultural ecology of Gujarat.
Fashion Revolution: A global movement advocating for transparency and sustainability in the fashion industry.
Fashion, Textile, and Technology Institute (FTTI): Based at the University of the Arts London, this institution contributes to research and innovative tools for sustainable practices.
United Nations: Supporting projects with global sustainability goals.
Purpose and Goals
The exhibition aims to provide a comprehensive platform for:
Knowledge-sharing among industry professionals, academics, and artisans.
Showcasing innovative solutions for climate-positive practices in fashion.
Scaling up ideas and prototypes by presenting them at various conclaves and connecting them with investors.
Creating a deeper understanding of how indigenous crafts can integrate with modern technology for sustainable growth.
Alison Barrett, MBE, Director India, British Council, emphasized the importance of cross-border partnerships to address climate challenges in fashion. She highlighted the need to bring innovative ideas to Indian and international investors, enabling their adoption at scale.
Why Visit the Exhibition?
Learn: Discover new-age materials like algae-based sequins, and understand how recycling textile waste can redefine the fashion industry.
Engage: Participate in discussions with industry experts, artisans, and innovators about sustainable practices.
Collaborate: Explore opportunities for partnerships, investment, and scaling innovative ideas.
Inspire: Witness how traditional craftsmanship can coexist with cutting-edge technology to build a sustainable future.
Event Significance
The Making Matters India and the UK exhibition is not just a showcase; it is a blueprint for the future of fashion. By merging innovation with tradition and fostering cross-cultural exchange, the event inspires a deeper commitment to sustainability within the textile and fashion industries.
Mark your calendar and explore how the combined efforts of India and the UK are reshaping the global narrative of ethical, climate-conscious fashion!
