Upcycled Wedding Lehengas: 8 Designers Reducing Bridal Waste

Published on June 13, 2024

by Thalia Reeves

Weddings are a special and joyous occasion that many couples dream of. It’s a day filled with love, happiness, and cherished memories. However, with the increasing environmental concerns, it’s crucial to be mindful and responsible about the environmental impact of weddings. One significant area that has been overlooked for a long time is bridal wear. The extravagant and opulent wedding lehengas, often made of luxurious fabrics and intricate designs, leave behind a massive amount of waste and carbon footprint. But, fret not! In recent years, a new trend has emerged in the wedding industry – upcycled wedding lehengas. These beautifully crafted and sustainable lehengas are not only reducing bridal waste but also adding an eco-friendly touch to the wedding industry. So, let’s explore the world of upcycled wedding lehengas and discover eight designers who are leading the way in reducing bridal waste.Upcycled Wedding Lehengas: 8 Designers Reducing Bridal Waste

The Rise of Upcycled Wedding Lehengas

The concept of upcycled wedding lehengas may seem new, but it’s been around for quite some time. Upcycling is the process of transforming waste materials or unwanted products into new and better-quality products. The idea behind upcycling is to give a second life to discarded materials, reducing waste and repurposing them to create something unique and beautiful. In recent years, the fashion industry has been struggling with its environmental impact, and upcycling has emerged as a solution to this problem.

With the rise of eco-consciousness and sustainability, many designers and fashion labels have started incorporating the concept of upcycling in their designs. And the wedding industry is no different. Bridal wear, especially wedding lehengas, is known for its high wastage, from leftover fabric to discarded embellishments. But, thanks to the upcycling trend, designers are now turning these scraps and waste materials into stunning wedding lehengas, giving brides a chance to wear something unique and sustainable on their special day.

The Creative Minds Behind Upcycled Wedding Lehengas

1. Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre, a well-known designer in the Indian fashion industry, is known for her sustainable practices and commitment to the environment. She has been a pioneer in promoting the use of traditional Indian crafts and fabrics in her designs. Recently, she launched her upcycled wedding lehenga collection, featuring hand-embroidered lehengas made from recycled and repurposed fabrics.

2. Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Another prominent name in the Indian fashion industry, Sabyasachi Mukherjee, is known for his exquisite and luxurious designs. In recent years, he has also started incorporating sustainable practices in his designs, and his latest upcycled bridal collection is a testimony to it. He has used discarded saris and lehengas to create stunning new pieces, giving them a new life and reducing waste.

3. Doodlage

Doodlage, an Indian fashion label, is known for its sustainable and eco-friendly designs. They specialize in upcycling discarded fabrics and materials to create unique and stylish clothing. Their latest collection includes beautiful and chic upcycled wedding lehengas that are not only one-of-a-kind but also environment-friendly.

4. Raw Mango

Raw Mango, a fashion label known for its traditional Indian designs, has also joined the upcycling trend. They have launched a line of upcycled wedding lehengas, made from pre-worn saris and dupattas, hand-woven by skilled artisans. These lehengas are not only sustainable but also have a rich cultural heritage.

5. Lila

Lila, a fashion label based in Mumbai, offers a range of upcycled bridal wear, including wedding lehengas. They specialize in creating unique and personalized pieces using discarded fabrics and materials. They also offer bridal customization services, allowing brides to create their dream upcycled wedding lehenga.

6. KaSha India

KaSha India is a Delhi-based fashion label that focuses on sustainable and ethical fashion. Their upcycled wedding lehenga collection features hand-embroidered and hand-painted pieces, made from discarded fabrics. Their designs are not only sustainable but also reflect the rich Indian culture and heritage.

7. Péro

Péro, a fashion label by designer Aneeth Arora, is known for its sustainable and handcrafted designs. Their latest upcycled wedding lehenga collection is a blend of modern and traditional elements, featuring designs made from upcycled scraps, discarded saris, and vintage silk.

8. Dheeru & Niharika

Dheeru & Niharika, a Delhi-based fashion label, is committed to sustainability and ethical practices. They use discarded materials and fabrics to create stunning upcycled wedding lehengas, giving them a modern twist. Their designs are not only eco-friendly but also trendy and unique.

Final Thoughts

The concept of upcycled wedding lehengas is not just a trend; it’s a step towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future. These designers and fashion labels are not just reducing bridal waste, but also promoting ethical practices and preserving traditional Indian crafts and heritage. So, if you’re a bride-to-be, consider opting for an upcycled wedding lehenga and add a touch of sustainability to your special day.

Remember, as consumers, we have the power to create a positive impact and support sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Let’s embrace the concept of upcycling and make a difference, one wedding lehenga at a time.