Alisha is an emerging fashion designer based in Dehradun. She is the founder of a sustainable clothing brand “Mulya”. In the last 2 years ago since its inception, she and her brand has brought a change and encouraged people to adopt organic & natural fabrics which produce fewer carbon footprints. We interviewed her recently.
What made you take fashion more seriously and a career out of it?
Back in school, everybody planned on being an engineer, doctor, etc, but being a creative head, I always wanted to do something different and fun. Fashion has always fascinated me and after pursuing textile design then I got more serious about the craft.
From where did you study fashion designing?
National Institute of Fashion Technology, Chennai
How did your parents react when you told them you want to be a fashion designer?
They were pretty supportive and encouraging. They believe in letting the kids decide what they want their future to be like and have always been there to support me in my decisions.
What does your Brand Name “Mulya” Mean?
Mulya comes from the Hindi word meaning value. We want our brand to bring about valuable changes in the life of the people associated with it, be it our employees or our customer. Exploring the diversities and abundance of Uttarakhand, we produce products rooted in the cultures of the valley. Relive the true essence of nature and heritage with our consciously handcrafted, unique products. Take a step towards meeting the needs for today without compromising the needs for the future.
What would you say are the key things that make your brand sustainable?
Living and breathing the three R rules of reuse, reduce and recycle. We at Mulya work with discarded flowers and fruit peels to dye our products sustainably. Our fabrics are biodegradable, our methodologies are sustainable from beginning to end.
Was it always the intention to become a sustainable and ethical designer? What was it that first raised your awareness on the issue of fast fashion?
The intention was always to become a good designer, with experience and working in the industry I realized the harsh reality of the fashion industry, that is when the eureka moment came and the research to a sustainable fashion approach began. it’s been a journey of hits and trials, ups and downs, but worth the risk.
As consumers, what are the easiest ways that we can all be more sustainable in our approach to fashion?
Recycle: Bring a creative side and recycle old clothes into a new usable product
Reuse: Use the same product multiple times
Reduce: Shop efficiently and less
How has your work evolved since you began your own label?
Just like slow fashion, it’s a slow process. It’s more about educating the customer and creating awareness about our brand. It’s an exciting journey, with every step it’s new learning for us and our customers as well.
What do you think about the fashion scenario in Dehradun?
Dehradun is evolving every day and growing in terms of fashion, art, and craft. With an abundance of the younger population, the city has a lot to offer and everything unique. People are more aware and conscious when it comes to sustainable fashion and a supportive community as well.
What are your further plans?
To make Mulya a pan India brand working on sustainable fashion, represent Uttarakhand on the Indian/international level, and bring more art and craft of the state in limelight along with Mulya.