Slow living is a philosophy centred around a mindful way of life, focusing on simplicity and fulfilling the purpose of one’s existence.

India is a contrast of bustling cities and serene rural landscapes, where traffic jams and crowded streets are unavoidable. Through the embrace of slow living principles the people can cultivate a sense of balance, fulfilment and strengthen the connection with themselves, their communities, and the world around them.

Economically, slow living  principles often lead to more conscious consumption patterns, which can result in reduced spending and increased savings. A study published in The Journal of Consumer Research in July 2019 found that individuals who prioritise experiences over material possessions report greater happiness and life satisfaction, indicating that slow living can contribute to overall well-being while minimising the emphasis on consumerism. 

In recent years, there has been a notable shift in the fashion industry's landscape. Slow fashion, an integral part of slow living, is steadily gaining ground over its fast fashion model, characterised by its rapid production cycles and low-cost, disposable garments, has been criticised for its contribution to pollution, resource depletion, and unethical labour practices. 

On the other hand, slow fashion is about prioritising quality over quantity and patronising local artisans, which contributes to economic empowerment at the grassroot level in India. This is exemplified by initiatives such as Sustainable Fashion and Indian Textiles (SUIT), which promotes traditional craftsmanship and ethical production practices. As a result, it opens up economic opportunities for small-scale artisans and weavers, thereby strengthening local economies.

Patch Over Patch, founded by Kavisha Parikh, emerges as a beacon of conscious fashion, deeply rooted in India's rich heritage of craftsmanship and textile traditions. Her motto ‘Know your rhythm’ emphasises upon the unique pace and cycle of work zones. Through innovative upcycling techniques and a commitment to ethical practices, the brand transforms textile leftovers into meticulously crafted garments, preserving the cultural legacy of craft clusters in Surat and Ahmedabad.

"As conscious consumers, we are increasingly realising that our choices have power, not just in shaping our personal style, but also in shaping the world around us. Slow fashion isn't just a trend; it's a movement towards sustainability, ethics, and individuality. By supporting brands like Patch over Patch, we are not just buying clothes; we are investing in a vision of fashion that respects our planet and celebrates creativity." says, Parikh. Kavisha  has actively pursued an understanding of sustainable fashion theory and practices, which she naturally gravitates towards.

She explains, "upcycling is my creative sanctuary, where I enjoy experimenting with various materials. The textures, colours, and shapes of surplus or unused industrial fabrics inspire me to create unique patterns, blending clear-linear and curve-geometric designs.”

In an era marked by heightened environmental consciousness, minimalism, timeless pieces, and capsule wardrobes are yet another way to foster a more sustainable and mindful approach to dressing. By curating a collection with versatile, high-quality garments that transcend trends will not only give one some fashion credit, it will also work out better for the planet.

As stated in an article by Vogue India titled ‘Vogue’s guide to building a mindful wardrobe and shopping consciously’ “Less is more is the motto of minimalism and it works wonders in the world of fashion. Rather than quantity, focus on quality. There’s a reason why minimalism never goes out of fashion." 

Nicobar, an ethical fashion and lifestyle brand exudes traditional aspects and a seamless blend of heritage and contemporary design. With a focus on minimalism and thoughtful living, Nicobar invites their customers to explore a world where simplicity reigns supreme. From clothing to homeware, each piece is crafted with care, with subtle details and timeless designs.

"At Nicobar, we're dedicated to creating products that not only embody timelessness  but also reflect our commitment to sustainability and conscious choices. Our fabrics are sourced responsibly, often utilising natural fibres and innovative sustainable materials. Similarly, our jewellery pieces are crafted with ethically sourced materials, ensuring both beauty and conscience. And when it comes to homeware, we prioritise functionality and aesthetic appeal, using eco-conscious materials that harmonise with any living space.” conveys, Nayana Sethi, Sourcing and Product Development, at Nicobar Design Delhi. 

According to The State of Fashion 2024 Report, consumers all around the world are becoming more educated about the social and environmental implications of their clothing choices, they are increasingly seeking out brands that align with their values of sustainability and ethical production.

The London-based label Szabo Sihag emerges as a shining example of the intersection between slow fashion, sustainability, and cultural preservation. With a keen eye for the beauty and elegance of Indian culture, each piece in their womenswear collection is meticulously crafted to capture an exotic and playful spirit, offering a fresh perspective on India's rich heritage.

What sets Szabo Sihag apart is its unwavering commitment to cultural and environmental preservation, which lies at the heart of its ethos. By exclusively collaborating with artisans and small-scale manufacturers in both the UK and India, the brand not only celebrates traditional craftsmanship but also supports local communities. Moreover, Szabo Sihag's zero-waste policy creatively incorporates leftover fabrics and recycled materials into their designs, reflecting a dedication to sustainability and responsible production practices. 

Moreover the UK unveils a dynamic network of mindful consumers and pioneering brands. Emphasising on sustainability, ethical manufacturing, and cultural heritage as multi-faceted instruments to actively engage consumers with slow fashion brands. Brand identity and values are part of a storytelling that draws consumers attention to clothes that hold a profound meaning. Luxury British streetwear brands Martine Rose and Gbadebo emphasis on scaling their brand to establish a value chain of slow fashion.

These brands deploy cultural heritage to create new products, bringing attention to craftsmanship and artisan collaborations. Pricing strategy plays a significant role for perceiving slow fashion within the British consumers as well. The higher price point is perceived as a manifestation of organic resources, and craftsmanship towards high quality. 

Martine Rose’s continuous experimentation with the 1990s rave subculture from her own curiosity merged loose-fitting garments to create an aesthetic for menswear in 2007 with her eponymous brand would prevail for decades to come. The brand developed an authentic narrative over the last decades by consistently working with the homegrown designers. Martine Rose’s design remains at the centre of minimalism, and design through social commentary on the communities.

The capsule collection showcased people in isolated moments, being together, out in nature and living life. Collaborating with Clarks in SS24 on 100% recycled puffy leather and nylon is momentous for Rose’s signature loafer shoes and loungewear. Marking their understanding and tremendous consciousness in the British fashion community for sustainability.

Similarly, an emerging slow fashion brand, Gbadebo uses upcycling and recycling techniques to expand her brand through the eCommerce platforms. She alludes to the Nigerian culture, eco-friendly materials, and techniques at the heart of the brand’s sustainable practices. By remaining true to her influence, she launched her brand in 2020 during the pandemic by collecting unusable materials from the neighbours to create clothes. Her initiatives resurged demand for upcycled clothes on the fashion circular platform Depop.  

While Gbadebo had to kickstart their brand with ecological impact in mind, Martine Rose successfully laid out a blueprint for emerging brands in slow fashion. These two brands are well known for their poignant actions for cultural heritage and ecological sustainability. By positioning their brand values from early-on with authenticity, Martine Rose and Gbadebo triumphs sustainability in slow fashion.

Through understanding the intricate tapestry of the global fashion industry of both India and UK, slow fashion is indeed a blend of tradition, innovation, and sustainability. In both India and the UK, the ethos of slow fashion resonates with a growing movement towards capsule wardrobes, minimalism, and timeless clothing, each piece tells a story of mindful consumption.

Through conscious choices and appreciation for local artisans and small-scale manufacturers, slow fashion becomes a catalyst for change, and redefining the fashion landscape. As we continue to navigate the ever-evolving world of fashion, it is true fashion transcends trends—it is a reflection of our values, our culture, and our commitment to leaving a positive impact on the world we inhabit.