The Role of Circular Fashion in Cultural Sustainability: Upcycling Saura and Toda Art Forms

Abstract

The fashion industry is currently one of the largest contributors to environmental pollution, producing significant waste and depleting natural resources at an unsustainable rate. In response to these challenges, circular fashion, a sustainable design approach that prioritizes reuse, recycling, and upcycling, has emerged as an alternative to the traditional linear "take- make-dispose" model of fashion production. This study explores how circular fashion can serve as a tool for the revival and economic sustainability of indigenous textile traditions, specifically focusing on the Saura and Toda communities of India. These communities have rich textile and embroidery traditions currently at risk due to factors such as industrialization, lack of market access, and the commodification of indigenous crafts. By integrating upcycling techniques, artisans and designers can breathe new life into these traditional textiles, ensuring they are both culturally preserved and economically viable in contemporary fashion markets. Using a mixed-methods approach, this research includes ethnographic fieldwork, case study analysis, and stakeholder interviews with artisans, fashion designers, and sustainability experts. The paper examines the benefits and challenges of upcycling indigenous textiles, identifies successful case studies, and proposes a strategic framework for ethical, sustainable collaboration between artisans and modern fashion brands. Ultimately, this study aims to bridge the gap between heritage and sustainability, demonstrating how cultural preservation and environmental responsibility can coexist in the fashion industry.