Solution: Creating garments from surplus fabrics. Owner: Ahluwalia. Circular Strategy: Repurpose.
Description
The label combines elements from the designer's dual Indian-Nigerian heritage and London roots, which has gained multiple awards since its launch in 2018. Using surplus fabrics for new garments contributes to the labels reduced carbon footprint and positively impacts biodiversity by diverting materials from landfill.
Ahluwalia also launched a platform called Circulate in collaboration with Microsoft. The platform allows users to contribute pre-loved clothing to future Ahluwalia collections.
Location
Founded in London, sells around the world.
Scale
There are around 25 stockists for Ahluwalia around the world.
Potential circular economy impact
This solution upcycles textile that is at the end-of-use stage into high-end garments. By doing that, it diverts the textile from being incinerated or going to landfill. This prevents greenhouse gases from being emitted.
What’s involved?
People: Collection team; designer; e-shop developer.
Resources: Textile; clothing; sewing tools; workshop.
Technology: Sewing machine; website.
Implementation: Establishing a collection system between collection points or charity shops to receive textile; sort the clothing between usable and unusable materials; design and create the garments; organise a sales system.