An event celebrating sustainability in fashion at Alliance Française

Alliance Française and Ritu Kochhar joined forces to host a sustainable fashion event at Alliance Francaise in Sector 36 here. The event was held to raise awareness about fashion’s environmental impact and promote sustainable alternatives, featuring a clothing swap and live upcycling experience in the city of Chandigarh.
The event, which is free and open to all, was conceptualized and curated by Ritu, a design mentor, academician, entrepreneur, and fashion curator. With a vibrant career spanning more than three decades, Ritu has been a guiding force in the world of fashion, mentoring young designers and promoting sustainable fashion practices.
A key highlight of the event was the first-ever "Clothing Swap" and live Upcycling Workshop, aimed at educating citizens on strengthening the upcycling economy in India, reducing their fashion footprint, and embracing circular fashion. The event emphasized the beauty of slow fashion and how it fosters community-building, while also promoting the concept of a "second chance" for clothing through swapping and upcycling.
Ritu’s initiative, "Rope With Me", emphasizes the 3Rs of fashion: Reimagining, Recreating, and Reusing old pieces. These principles of circularity were at the heart of the event. A live upcycling workshop showcased a variety of craft techniques, including painting, sewing, embroidery, printing, appliqué, crochet, and beadwork, where participants learned how to give a new life to their old garments.

"In fashion, we can Reimagine, Recreate, and Reuse to craft a more sustainable future. Let’s turn waste into wonder, and create conscious closets that reflect our commitment to the planet”, said Rit, adding, "You can swap your pre-loved clothes for new-to-you festive attire and make this holiday season both stylish and sustainable. It helps extend the lifespan of textiles and materials to reduce waste and promote creative reuse."

Ophélie Belin, Director, Alliance Française Chandigarh, said, “At Alliance Française Chandigarh, we are excited to bring the spirit of sustainable fashion, a growing trend in France and across Europe, to our community. This clothing swap event is more than just exchanging clothes—it’s about embracing eco-conscious choices, sharing cultural connections, and promoting a circular economy, one garment at a time.”