Stitch It, Flip It, Slay It: Upcycled Style Unleashed

Imagine your wardrobe isn’t just a pile of cotton kurtas and faded denims—it’s a masala mix of rebellion, desi swag, and eco-warrior vibes. Fast fashion screams “wear once, toss twice,” but upcycling flips that script, transforming pre-loved clothes into head-turning new outfits. In fact, fashion experts note that upcycling can “reimagine pre-loved garments into fresh, new pieces,” signaling a shift toward recycled, sustainable style. From chopped lehengas turned into crop-top-and-skirt co-ords, to Nana-ji’s old sherwani reworked into a statement jacket, the possibilities are endless. In India—the land of jugaad—why not make our clothes last a lifetime, not just one season?

The Magic of Upcycling: Desi Roots, Global Wings

Upcycling isn’t just recycling’s cooler cousin—it’s a rebellion against throwaway culture. By cutting, stitching, and restyling, you can give an unloved garment a second life. For example, a torn lehenga can become a stylish crop top and skirt combo, and an heirloom saree can be stitched into trendy dhoti pants or a chic tote. Globally, the rise of upcycled clothing epitomizes a move towards mindful consumption: “the rise of upcycled clothing brands epitomises this shift towards recycled sustainable fashion”. In Bengaluru and beyond, artisans are already turning vintage textiles into modern marvels - think flowy dresses, edgy blazers, and even jackets quilted from sari scraps. Upcycling isn’t just fashion; it’s a love letter to tradition remixed for today’s Instagram feed and street style.

Fashion That Fights Waste: From Desi Divas to World Stars

India’s sustainable fashion scene is booming, and homegrown designers are leading the way. Labels like Anavila Misra and Yavi are turning upcycled fabrics and traditional weaves into minimalist-chic collections. Anavila’s eponymous brand, for instance, reinvents the classic sari with a minimalist aesthetic and locally sourced organic materials. In Delhi, Yavi (by Yadvi Agarwal) literally paints on fashion: its collections incorporate hand-painted prints and even AI-generated patterns on repurposed textiles. Yavi’s recent lines include statement “upcycled jackets created from fabric scraps and waste materials,” effectively turning what was once trash into wearable art.

Bollywood and global celebs have also taken note. Back home, A-lister Alia Bhatt has been a champion of reuse: she famously re-wore her own ivory wedding saree at a major awards ceremony and has even sported a lehenga made from 180 discarded fabric scraps by designer Manish Malhotra. Abroad, icons like Cate Blanchett have made headlines in outfits built from recycled bits. At one premiere, Blanchett stunned the world in a halter top made from 102 upcycled spoons - an “armored effect” ensemble that underscores fashion’s power to upcycle everyday items.

Meanwhile, social media trends like #UpcycleDesi and #ThriftHaul is sparking new ideas for sustainable style. On X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, young influencers pair thrifted tees with reinvented saree skirts or patchworked jeans, proving that even Gen Z is embracing circular fashion in a big way. Whether it’s pre-loved luxury or vintage sneakers, secondhand clothing in India is no longer just frugal - it’s fashionable.

Slow Down, Style Up: Clothes That Stay for Life

Fast fashion’s mantra—“buy, wear, toss, repeat”—is losing its appeal. Sustainable fashion whispers a better truth: less is more. Instead of impulse-buying cheap fast-fashion, think of creative ways to update what you already have. Try these DIY hacks:

• Patch and personalize. Sew quirky patchwork or embroidery onto an old denim jacket or coat to cover wear and tear.
• Tie-dye or fabric-print. Give an old white tee or dress new life with bright tie-dye, batik, or block-print techniques.
• Crop and restyle. Turn oversized shirts into crop tops, or add asymmetrical hems to a simple kurta for drama.
• Accessorize and layer. Use scarves, belts, and jewelry to completely rework a familiar outfit, or pair one thrifted piece with another.

These small tweaks are cheaper, greener, and deeply personal - your clothes literally grow with you, carrying stories and style across seasons. It’s exactly the kind of mindful approach the slow-fashion movement preaches. Experts highlight that embracing DIY upcycling “reduces waste and allows for unique, personalized fashion choices”. As fashion guru Aneeth Arora (founder of label Péro) puts it, upcycling is “a key philosophy in slow fashion” that “prevents the temptation to buy new pieces when you know you can repurpose the old ones”. In short, mending and remaking your wardrobe isn’t just craftsy fun—it’s an easy way to make your closet more sustainable and your style more you.

Upcycling Brands in India Worth Watching

If you want to see how India is leading the upcycling movement, check out these trailblazers:

• Anavila Misra - Known for minimalist chic with an eco-conscious heart, Anavila’s collections spotlight West Bengal weaves, organic cotton and hand-block printing. Her label reinvents traditional drapes each season, staying true to sustainable ethos in both fashion and home decor.
• Yavi - This Delhi brand fuses Indian handicraft with impressionist art. Its collections include hand-painted and block-printed pieces, and even jackets repurposed from fabric scraps. Yavi’s creative director notes that clothes can be “a story, a piece of art” that transcends trends.
• Doodlage - A Delhi-based pioneer of conscious clothing, Doodlage sources deadstock and cutting-room scraps to craft patchwork garments. The label follows a strict zero-waste policy - turning factory waste into accessories and homeware, and ensuring every stitch serves sustainability.
• Ka-Sha (Heart to Haat) - Ka-Sha weaves India’s heritage into upcycled fashion. Its Heart to Haat line carefully “upcycles, recycles, and meticulously restores each piece as a dedication to sustainable fashion”. By reviving vintage handlooms and scrap textiles, Ka-Sha’s designs feel rich in story and soul.
• Péro - Founded by Aneeth Arora, Péro is literally named after rural craft (“péro” means “the snake charmer’s flute”). Arora is celebrated as “a pioneer of garment upcycling in India,” even creating an “Upcycled by Péro” sub-brand to reinvent customer-sent-in pieces. Today, every Péro collection quietly includes bespoke upcycled jackets and coats, each treated with bright embroidery and patchwork.

By supporting these brands, you’re not just shopping - you’re investing in India’s craft heritage and the planet’s future. Each purchase becomes part of a circular fashion ecosystem, keeping textiles in use and out of landfills. Whether it’s luxury pre-owned bags or thrifted everyday wear, choosing upcycled and secondhand fashion is a stylish protest against fashion waste.

Cycle of Samsara: Sustainable Fashion with a Desi Twist

At Cycle of Samsara, we believe fashion should be stylish, soulful, and sustainable. Our online thrift store and marketplace champions pre-loved luxury and everyday wear from India and beyond. Think unique sari skirts matched with vintage tees, one-of-a-kind kaftans born from old saris, and hand-embroidered jackets with a story. By curating these one-off pieces and celebrating the art of reuse, we make every wardrobe truly timeless—and kinder to the earth.

Join the movement, stitch it, flip it, and slay it—because sustainable style looks good on everyone. Explore our collection of upcycled, thrifted, and circular-fashion finds at Cycle of Samsara, and discover how your next favorite outfit could already be hiding in someone’s closet.

Key Takeaways: Sustainable fashion is on the rise in India and globally. Upcycling transforms old garments into new, stylish pieces, fighting fashion waste one stitch at a time. Designers like Anavila Misra, Yavi, Doodlage and Aneeth Arora’s Péro are leading the way with creative, eco-friendly collections. Even celebs like Alia Bhatt and Cate Blanchett are proving that glamour and green habits can go hand-in-hand. By embracing thrift, DIY embellishment, and mindful purchasing, you’ll save money and the planet, while building a truly personal style.

References

• Ansari, F. (2025) Slow Fashion As A Canvas: How Yavi is Painting a Sustainable Future for Indian Designs. Homegrown.homegrown.co.inhomegrown.co.in
• Sanchez, C. (2024) Cate Blanchett’s Top—Made Entirely Out of Spoons—Is a Step Toward Sustainable Fashion. Harper’s Bazaar.harpersbazaar.com
• Mathews, S. (2023) Alia Bhatt reused her wedding saree at the National Awards proving she is the champion of sustainable fashion. NDTV.ndtv.com
• Khandelwal, S. (2021) 13 pictures that take you inside designer Anavila Misra’s sustainable home in Mumbai. Vogue India.vogue.in
• Shah, M. (2018) Péro’s Aneeth Arora has found a sustainable way to revamp your wardrobe. ELLE India.elle.inelle.in
• The Established (2024) 8 India’s Upcycled Fashion Brands For Your Next Buy. The Established.theestablished.comtheestablished.com