The textile industry of India boasts a rich heritage and immense potential, and at the forefront of this vibrant landscape is a powerful force: women in textile science. From ancient weaving traditions to cutting-edge innovations, these remarkable individuals are reshaping the future of textiles, fueled by passion, skill, and a dedication to progress.

Threads of tradition, woven with innovation:

The Textile Industry is run by many beautiful hands but certain master minds run the actual game. Here we have 5 of them who are playing the ace game of development and reviving the textile heritage of India.

1. Anita Dongre: Sustainable Style Icon

Anita Dongre is a leading force in the sustainable fashion movement in the textile industry, weaving ethical practices into the very fabric of her brand. Founded in 1994, “Anita Dongre” offers a unique blend of contemporary design and sustainability. Dongre champions the use of organic and recycled materials, empowers rural artisans through her “Grassroot” initiative, and advocates for fair trade practices. Her commitment to social responsibility has earned her the “Changemaker” award from the British Council and the “Global Citizen Award” from the United Nations.

Source Marketing Mind

2. Upasana Reddy: The Sustainable Saree Queen

Upasana Reddy is a young entrepreneur who is making waves in the sustainable saree market with her brand, “Aurum” in the textile industry.  Founded in 2016, Aurum offers a contemporary take on traditional sarees, using organic fabrics and ethical production practices. Reddy’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond materials, as she advocates for fair wages for artisans and empowers women through skill development programs. Her dedication to social responsibility and eco-conscious practices has earned her the “Global Changemaker Award” from the United Nations.

3. Ritu Kumar: The Empress of Elegance

Ritu Kumar is a name synonymous with timeless elegance and sophisticated Indian wear. Her journey began in 1966, fueled by a passion for preserving the textile industry and its heritage . Kumar’s brand, “Ritu Kumar,” is renowned for its exquisite handloom fabrics, intricate embroideries, and classic silhouettes. She has championed the revival of traditional crafts like Chikankari and Kalamkari, providing livelihoods to thousands of artisans across the country. Kumar’s unwavering commitment to quality and her keen eye for detail have earned her numerous accolades, including the Padma Shri award, the highest civilian honor bestowed by the Indian government.

Source: Vogue

3. Suchi Mukherjee, Founder and CEO of LimeRoad

Suchi Mukherjee was living abroad in the United Kingdom for more than 17 years and returned to India in 2011 to create a global digital age in the fashion and textile industry equivalent of the 16th Century Grand Trunk Road—a highway that changed the face of trade in the Indian subcontinent. LimeRoad (launched in 2012) has had more than 50 million visits and the country’s highest conversion rates. The USP of this online fashion portal is a community of a unique set of sellers including women curators, who together post a record 3,000 new products and 20,000 new fashion stories per day.

Source: Crowd for think

4.  Vishakha Singh, Founder, Red Polka

Vishakha Singh, a curation-led podium that showcases brands, designers, their trendsetting products, and the unique stories behind them, launched her website in 2015. She believes in supporting women in their dedication to their work in the textile industry. Red Polka is in line with this philosophy, since 80 percent of their merchant partners are women who are creating dynamic designer products, and Red Polka’s work culture supports working mothers through flexi-timing.

Source: habits of thinking

Additionally, here are some key trends in Indian textile science that are being driven by women:

• Focus on sustainability: Women are leading the charge in developing eco-friendly textiles made from natural fibers and recycled materials.
• Innovation in traditional crafts: Women are using their skills and knowledge to revive and modernize traditional textile crafts, making them relevant to the modern market.
• Wearable technology: Women are at the forefront of research and development in smart textiles with applications in healthcare, sports, and other fields.
• Skill development and entrepreneurship: Women are playing a vital role in empowering other women through skill development programs and entrepreneurial initiatives in the textile industry.

By supporting and nurturing these trends, we can ensure that women continue to be a driving force in shaping the future of the Indian textile Industry, not just for the benefit of the industry, but for the social and economic progress of the nation as a whole.