Doing something different!

Sagar Chauhan took part on the Naitika project last year and produced the Stop start animation. As a result of his work on the Naitika project Sagar decided to embark on a career in fashion in the hope that 'one day in the near future companies will buck up their ideas and become more ethical'.

What inspired you to do fashion?
It’s one of those weird questions that I can never give a straight answer too! A number of factors I suppose, a fashion focused family and friendship group and the social media. From a young age I was always interested in textures and colours and it was also from a young age that I was introduced to the ethics involved in fashion when I took part in voluntary work to raise awareness of child workers in India who worked in carpet construction illegally. The Naitika project made me realise the importance of ethics in clothing,one of the main reasons that I chose to get into the fashion world, as I feel, one day in the near future companies will buck up their ideas and become more ethical!

Why does fashion need to consider the environment and garment workers more?
Without garment workers, we wouldn’t have clothing, without clothing, retailers would be defunct.

Can you be into fashion and be ethical at the same time?
Of course you can! If anything I’m testament to that! I’m forever rummaging around vintage shops, charity shops and customising my clothing, I’ve turned a pair of jeans into a practical duffel bag big enough to fit my laptop and books etc. If I like the look of something on the catwalk or in a magazine, I’ll see what I have already and customise it to my liking. Embellishments such as studs are so readily available from most websites and small haberdasheries.

Where do you shop?
I won’t lie, I’m a sucker to a High Street bargain, if I see something on sale in say River Island or H&M I will probably get it, but personally I don’t think that makes me a bad person, for one thing I make the item of clothing last as long as I can, and if it does end up getting damaged, I won’t throw it away, I’ll customise it, or if possible even try to repair it! But aside from the High Street labels, I practically live in Vintage shops, not only can you find something unique but I’ve picked up designer shirts by Moschino and Christian Dior for next to nothing!

Are there any ethical fashion labels you would recommend?
The first and perhaps my favourite label that I came across in ethical fashion was Leicester based label, WeComeOne, a brand whose simple designs can be worn anywhere and everywhere. A high quality label which everyone should definitely have a look at. I would also recommend that Spanish designer Orsolo DeCastro be looked at as she has taken fabrics such as leather from old sofa’s to create pieces of couture.

And lastly what are you hoping to do in the future?
I am hoping to complete my degree in fashion, move on to a Masters in Marketing or Fashion Marketing and build myself a comfortable future in public relations or journalism! I’m trying to avoid thinking about the future just now, I feel too old!

Image Credit- Sagar Chauhan