THE ARTISAN SPHERE
Rila Designs - Sustainable and Ethical Fashion
Riya Patel , a young Australian fashion designer based in Perth , made it her mission to sustain the plethora of textiles and hand skills that have been in the Indian communities through rich cultural and artistic heritage . Founding Rila Design as a movement to promote sustainable and ethical fashion in Perth , she also promotes education towards waste management through the repurposing of upcycled old garments and offcuts to create amazing , new designer clothes .
After graduating from Curtin University , Riya focused on sustainability . Influenced by her Indian background , the direction of her designer ’ s studio was a natural development as she embarked on her professional journey . Her style is easily recognisable with floral and geometric patterns from each of her pieces with earthy , warm colours .
Based in Perth and ethically produced in Gujarat , India , Rila Design uses a blend of artisanal craft to print on fabric notably :
Ajrakh Block Print . A traditional textile printing technique originating from the Singh region , now part of Pakistan and India . This involves several stages of block printing using natural dyes , resulting in intricate and colorful designs on fabric .
Dabu Print . Dabu printing is a traditional Indian printing technique that involves using mud and clay to create pattern on fabric . A natural paste is made from clay , gum , and lime water which is then used to block print the intended design on the fabric .
You can read more about sustainable fabric printing techniques and when to find them at the Summer x Salt Markets on the Rila Design Instagram page (@ riladesign ).
“ Activism is a big part of my brand , not only for sustainability and ethics in fashion but also for educating people about the art of Indian textiles .”
Riya Patel Rila Design