Tradition meets innovation on the global stage Aarti Vijay Gupta brought a fresh perspective to sustainable fashion at London Fashion Week with the debut of her FW25 collection, Kalighat Stories. The collection, created in collaboration with Liva’s eco-friendly fabrics, paid homage to India’s artistic heritage while embracing contemporary design and sustainability. By seamlessly blending traditional craftsmanship with innovative materials, Gupta reinforced the growing movement towards responsible fashion on the global runway.
Liva Reviva Fabrics, crafted from up to 30 per cent recycled textile waste and blended with FSC-certified wood pulp, formed the foundation of the collection. These breathable and fluid textiles enabled Gupta to present a striking mix of heritage and modernity. Her designs reflected the intricate artistry of India’s cultural legacy, emphasizing that fashion can be both aesthetically compelling and environmentally conscious.
Reviving Indian folk art through fashion
Gupta worked closely with artisans from Kolkata’s renowned Kalighat and Patua traditions, transforming these rich storytelling art forms into wearable fashion. Inspired by Midnapore’s famed scroll paintings, her designs featured ‘Patua Feet,’ a vibrant artistic expression depicting music, mythology, and everyday life. Each piece in the collection showcased a fusion of age-old narratives and contemporary aesthetics, allowing heritage craftsmanship to reach an international audience.
The 35-look runway presentation spanned both menswear and womenswear, featuring flowing drapes, structured layering, and handcrafted detailing. Earthy hues and muted pastels formed the base of the collection, with intricate prints bringing the garments to life. The meticulous use of Liva’s fabrics emphasized not only sustainability but also versatility, ensuring that traditional artistry remained at the forefront of modern fashion.
A commitment to responsible fashion
Commenting on the collaboration, Sree Charan, VP Marketing, Global Head - Brands at Birla Cellulose, Aditya Birla Group, highlighted the significance of this partnership. “We are proud to support Aarti Vijay Gupta in her mission to integrate traditional art with contemporary design. By using Liva’s sustainable fabrics, she exemplifies our commitment to responsible luxury and innovation in fashion.”
Gupta, sharing her vision, expressed the importance of bringing traditional Indian artists to an international platform. “Traditional artisans are often overlooked in global fashion. With Kalighat Stories, I wanted to shift that narrative by using age-old techniques to create something fresh and contemporary. Working with Liva Reviva Fabrics provided the perfect canvas to honor these traditions while championing sustainability. This is the future of fashion where heritage and eco-conscious innovation come together with purpose.”
Liva’s partnership with Gupta aligns with its mission to drive change in the fashion industry through advanced, sustainable fabrics that minimize waste. By supporting designers who merge artistry with sustainability, Liva continues to lead the movement towards meaningful, responsible fashion on the world stage.
