I recently fell hard for a fashion collection.
Vanaras, a collection of gorgeous sustainable clothes from Bangalore, India.
When I discovered the name Vanaras means essence of the forest, I fell even more. The forest is my place of refuge, healing, and happiness so a collection created in honour of this essence filled my heart with tremedous joy.
I immediately wrote to its designer, Vandana Bhandare, through a fashion sustainability Facebook group and I was immediately smitten.
The soft pastels, the gorgepous colors, the minimalist design, all of that spoke to me. Her pieces felt like a soft whisper, a comforting hush in a loud and chaotic world.
Vanaras is a 100% organic, minimalist design label, founded on the simple precept that our love for beautiful clothing need not negatively impact our beautiful planet. True to our spirit, the brand is born of a respectful awareness of nature and a passion for slow, caring, long-lasting fashion.
Her website provides a glimpse into her childhood: “A long time fashion and sustainability enthusiast, Vandana Bhandare, is no stranger to spinning yarns. Her love for fabrics was sown decades ago, when as a little girl, she would waltz into her father’s silk manufacturing units, awe-struck by timeless brocade. When she was not smitten by the rustle of gossamer, she would spend hours experimenting with painting techniques, and sketching croquis. “
After spending more time on her website, her collection called my name with lovely descriptions like “our fabrics kiss tender”, “cotton picked with kindness,” “sink into a marigold state of mind,” and “thoughtful production.”
Our entire fabric line is certified as per stringent Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS). We follow Zero-waste throughout our design cycle and our dyes are completely AZO-free. They are skin-friendly, nature-loving, lay soft, draw smooth, and last forever.
Vandana uses natural dyes such as pomegranate seeds and other vegetable dies to add gorgeous colours to her designs.
This process reminds me of the words from devotional singer’s Jai Jagdeesh’s beautiful lyrics: The earth she kissed me so sweetly last night….
During our podcast interview, we talked about the increasing concern she has for protecting the planet. As a certified yoga instructor, she brings thoughtfulness and mindfulness to her creations and business, which is a breath of fresh air.
Be as simple as you can be; you will be astonished to see how uncomplicated and happy your life can become. ~ Yogananda
She also described the greater demand that is growing in India for sustainable garments and organic produce.
I invite you to pour yourself a cup of tea and to listen in, and to follow Vandana on Instagram, on LinkedIn and her beautiful website, where her collection is sold and shipped worldwide.
You can listen here:
