Continuum

In this edition of Continuum, Sakshi Khanna explores the intersection of textiles, nature, and heritage. Through her work with natural dyes, eco-printing, and traditional crafts, she asks a vital question: how do we innovate without losing what generations have taught us?

In conversation with Brand Mumbai, she shares her journey towards a more conscious and responsible future for textiles.

• Your journey began with experimentation in natural dyes long before sustainability became a mainstream conversation. What drew you emotionally and intellectually toward working with nature as your primary collaborator?

Nature was always at the center of our journey working around nature, with nature, and ultimately for nature. Even before sustainability became a mainstream conversation, we strongly felt it was a necessity, not just for the environment but for our own well-being.

As we explored textiles more deeply, we became increasingly aware of the environmental impact of the fashion industry, which is considered one of the world’s largest polluting industries after oil. The growing problem of landfills and the widespread use of polyester and other non-biodegradable materials deeply concerned us.

That realization shaped our belief system. We wanted to create something that was healthier for the body, more responsible for the planet, and rooted in conscious living. Working with natural fabrics and plant-based processes became our way of contributing positively to Mother Earth while also encouraging a more mindful relationship between people and the clothes they wear.

• During your early research into textile dyes, what realities or experiences disturbed you as a designer and what ultimately encouraged you to move toward natural fabrics and plant-based dyeing?

One of the biggest realities we discovered early on was that working with natural materials and plant-based dyes is far more complex than conventional textile production. Unlike synthetic systems, nature is not completely predictable. The greatest challenge has been maintaining consistency in color, texture, and quality while staying true to natural processes. We have continuously researched ways to improve color fastness durability, and scalability without compromising sustainability.

Working closely with weavers and artisans has also been an essential part of this journey. Together, we have documented and refined traditional techniques, balancing authenticity with the needs of a modern global market.

• Natural dyeing requires patience, uncertainty, and acceptance of imperfection. How has this process shaped your personal definition of beauty and luxury?

For us, the journey with natural dyeing has always been rooted in staying true to our ethics and resisting the temptation of easier, faster alternatives. In a world driven by convenience and speed, we consciously chose processes that require patience, care, and deep involvement.

Quality has always mattered more to us than shortcuts. Working closely with natural materials taught us that true beauty lies in authenticity, individuality, and intention rather than artificial perfection. Every fabric, every dye variation, and every handmade detail carries a story of nature and human effort.

Over time, these practices shaped our understanding of luxury itself. We no longer see luxury as something mass-produced or overly polished, but as something honest, mindful, and created with integrity. Personally, experiencing these techniques, learning from them every day, and immersing ourselves in the process has strengthened our commitment to preserving these traditions while introducing them to a larger global audience in a meaningful way.

• Coming from a formal fashion education background, how did your learning evolve when traditional artisan wisdom met scientific experimentation?

Yes, definitely. Coming from a formal fashion education background, we were taught structure, techniques, and the scientific side of textiles. But when we started working closely with artisans and traditional processes, our understanding evolved completely.

We realized that a lot of traditional wisdom is deeply scientific in its own way, even if it was never documented technically. The artisans understood nature, fibers, seasons, dye reactions, and fabrics through generations of experience and observation. Our learning became a balance between experimentation and heritage. On one side, we were researching, testing, documenting, and trying to standardize processes, and on the other side, we were learning patience, intuition, and respect for natural systems from the artisans themselves.

That combination of traditional knowledge and scientific experimentation is what shaped our approach today. It helped us innovate while still staying connected to the roots of the craft.

• Eco-printing and plant-based textiles sit at the intersection of craft and innovation. How do you balance preserving heritage techniques while designing for contemporary global consumers?

Like I said, we strongly believe in exploring and evolving every single day. Our constant effort is to make these traditional practices more precise, more organized, more sustainable, and more adaptable for today’s world without losing their authenticity.

For us, preserving heritage techniques is only possible when more people start valuing and supporting them. If these crafts remain limited to small conversations, they slowly disappear over time. That is why we are working towards making natural textiles and eco-printing more accessible and scalable for the larger industry and global consumers.

At the same time, we are continuously improving our processes, experimenting with new techniques, and finding ways to make these textiles more practical for contemporary lifestyles. We believe innovation should support heritage, not replace it, and that balance is what defines our work today.

• Fast fashion thrives on speed, while your work celebrates slowness. What mindset shift do you believe both designers and consumers must undergo to truly embrace conscious fashion?

For us, conscious fashion is not just about clothing, it is a complete way of living and thinking. When you choose a path connected to nature, you naturally begin to slow down, become more patient, and understand things more deeply.

Nature does not work in haste, and neither do natural processes. You cannot force the outcome instantly, it evolves in its own time. That journey teaches you patience, mindfulness, and trust in the process.

I believe both designers and consumers need to shift away from the mindset of instant gratification and constant consumption. Instead, there has to be more awareness, more emotional connection with what we wear, and more respect for the time, craftsmanship, and natural resources involved in creating a textile or garment.

When people begin to value quality, longevity, and intention over speed and quantity, that is when conscious fashion truly becomes possible.

• What has working closely with traditional artisans taught you, both as a designer and as a person and how has their lived knowledge influenced the way you approach textiles today?

Working closely with traditional artisans has taught me immense respect for the depth of knowledge, patience, and hard work behind every textile tradition we have in Bharat. A lot of the textiles and techniques that are now appreciated globally exist because generations of artisans dedicated their entire lives to preserving them.

For them, these crafts are not just techniques, they are their identity, their livelihood, their heritage, and their way of life. Every weave, every dye, every handmade process carries years of experience, effort, and emotion behind it.

As a designer and as a person, this journey has made me more grounded and more grateful. It has taught me to approach textiles with responsibility and respect rather than just as products or trends.

Their lived knowledge inspires me every day to put more time, more dedication, and more sincerity into this work, so these traditions can continue to survive for future generations and create a meaningful impact on the world.

• Many natural textiles were once part of Bharat’s everyday culture but gradually disappeared. Do you see your work as revival, reinvention, or resistance?

I believe it is a combination of all three: revival, reinvention, and resistance. We are reviving natural textile traditions that gradually faded with industrialization, while reinventing them for today's global consumers and modern lifestyles. At the same time, our work is a form of resistance against overconsumption, synthetic mass production, and the growing disconnect between people, textiles, and nature. Ultimately, our goal is to help these traditions evolve into a meaningful part of the future, not just remain memories of the past.

• As a designer deeply connected to materials, what emerging sustainable fibers or natural processes excite you the most for the future of textiles?

What excites us most is seeing people reconnect with nature through healthier, biodegradable, and plant-based fibers like hemp, linen, bamboo, nettle, and organic cotton. We are equally inspired by how traditional techniques such as natural dyeing, eco-printing, herbal finishing, and low-impact processing are evolving through research and innovation. For us, the future of textiles lies in balancing nature, craft, science, and innovation to create a more conscious and sustainable industry.

• What do you feel is your responsibility toward the textile industry of Bharat, not just as a designer, but as a custodian of nature-led innovation?

I feel our responsibility is to preserve, protect, and evolve the knowledge and textile heritage that Bharat already holds. Bharat has always had a very deep relationship with natural fibers, handloom traditions, dyeing techniques, and mindful craftsmanship, but somewhere a lot of this knowledge started fading with industrialization and fast fashion. Through our work, we want to create awareness about the value of these practices and help them become relevant again for today’s world. 

At the same time, we also feel responsible for supporting artisans, encouraging ethical production, and building systems that are healthier for both people and the environment.

For us, nature-led innovation is not about replacing tradition, but about evolving it responsibly so future generations can continue to benefit from it. If we can help preserve these crafts while also making them globally respected and commercially sustainable, that itself would be a meaningful contribution to the textile industry of Bharat.