Mandala
April 2023
INDIA’S PRIDE—Ryndia work of those who have woven it. It has always been a team effort for DSEFH, and it is grateful to the weavers who have made this possible.
It is a matter of happiness for the entire team that the fabric they chose to throw the spotlight on is now being used by upcoming designers from their state and that the state government is also promoting it and creating outlets to make it available to more and more people.
DSEFH has collaborated with the local weavers of Meghalaya and developed the fabric, right from the yarn stage, to elevate its properties. This is an amazing effort that has incorporated traditional methods of weaving, using different patterns, designs, and vegetable dyes along with unique aesthetics and modern technology. ‘Protecting, Reviving, Uplifting’ is DSEFH’s mission as regards the traditional fabrics of Northeast India, mainly Meghalaya, and Daniel promoting the traditional silk ‘Ryndia’ at a Notheastern fashion show Daniel Syiem, along with his friend Janessaline M Pyngrope, began a label, Daniel Syiem Ethnic Fashion House (DSEFH), in Shillong, in 2011, to promote the traditional silk called ‘Ryndia’ and many
traditional handwoven fabrics of Northeast India. “This was not easy for it involved considerable expenditure to travel abroad for a fashion show. DSEFH tapped various sources, including the government, worked hard, and sailed through, garnering applause for the work it was doing to promote the weaving community as well as the Ryndia fabric.
DSEFH believes deeply in its work and has a soul connection with Ryndia. It treats this rich fab ric with immense reverence as it appreciates the promoting their use by innovating them into contemporary designer wear. It has ensured that all its designs fit into modern needs and trends, and that they are also eco-friendly. This is why it has managed to remain a unique brand.
Daniel grew up with a passion for designing beautiful clothes. “The moment I see my collection being worn by models walking the ramp, I know that I have pulled off something brilliant. Those moments always give me a high and will always be special,” says Daniel.
DSEFH’s dream is to go global and is current ly in collaboration with the Indo- French brand Lecoanet Hemant for their upcoming Ramie Pro ject. Knowing their verve and passion, we shall certainly hear much more about them soon.
- By Jamuna Rangachari
Unleathering the world
Most of us wish to do something for the environment but do not know what to do. It is wonderful to see people like Isha C and Alok Dhodapkart, from New Delhi, take the right step in this direction. They began Waraq in July 2023 with the vision of contributing to the environment by building a sustainable fashion brand as there weren’t many available options in the market. They saw this as an opportunity to do something sustainable, so they created limited-edition bags and accessory collections, using cruelty free and environmentally safe bio-composite and organic materials. “With us, you don’t just own a bag or an accessory; you own a piece of art, with a story that is close to one’s heart, and everyone also contributes towards building a kinder planet!” they say with pride. Alok Dhodapkart, the man behind Waraq; a sustainable fashion brand Their efforts took some time, but they finally succeeded in using sustainable bio-composite materials made from coconut, cactus, cork, and organic fabrics. As theirs was a unique venture, they were thrilled and so were their friends and families.
It is often said that when one’s decision is right, no matter how long it takes, it is worth it. This is certainly applicable to them. It took them almost two years to research vegan biomaterials, identify seasoned manufacturers who could work around innovative materials, and deliver high quality products. Another challenge was to find suitable artisans who would be willing to give a new brand their time and effort. As the field was new to them, it took time for them to understand the material and its changing behaviour while undergoing manufacturing. Although every day is a learning curve for them, they wish to committedly pursue their choice and decision. The customer interaction and appreciation have proved to be rewarding.
Pursuing art without harming the environment is something we all would love to do, and Waraq is showing us the way by doing this wonderfully. They are present online as well as offline in multiple cities, and they organise many events around the country.
Kudos, Waraq, for your efforts towards promoting sustainable art!
By Jamuna Rangachari
NETWORKING NETWORKING for theenvironment
We network based on our interests.
Some of us network for business, some for entertainment and some for social causes. An environment lover, seeing the chaos in the environment area, Robin Viegas from Mumbai gets ideas by networking with different NGOs. Then he and his family try to implement those ideas in his building and neighbourhood. He himself does plugging early morning by picking up glass/pet bottles thrown on the roads in the 100m radius around the building that he lives in.
What he collects he gives to either his building Robin Viegas loves the enviornment and is dedicated to cleaning it housekeeping staff or someone who deals in scrap. He has been turning all his household wet waste into compost for the last 10 years. He does this to reduce the waste going to the Deonar landfill. Additionally, he networks with Project Mumbai plastic Recyclothon drive and mobilises people living in Kalina to join the drive.
He does not stop at networking with NGOs alone. When the BMC had asked people to come for discussion, he and his family were actively involved and gave many clear and doable ideas to the corporation.
This Republic Day, he announced the success of his drive aimed at reducing pollution and told everyone, “We take utmost care so that the spirit of the people who take extra step for sake of the environment does not go to waste.”
As of now, sustainability has become a buzzword but not all are following it sincerely and herein lies the challenge. Most companies are working to have a sustainability effort as part of their CSR by planting trees and adopting certain rural areas to enable the world to remain green. This alone would not be sufficient if everyone is not involved. This is what Robin aims to accomplish.
Common citizens feel that they cannot do much to change the situation, but this is not true. Robin’s is a small step, in the right direction. As a responsible citizen, he is showing the way to all on how to be responsible green citizen.
By Jamuna Rangachari