Kathmandu, July 19 -- When Srichcha Pradhan, the winner of Miss Nepal 2023, appeared on the Miss World stage, her message went beyond her walk and speech—it was embedded in the very material she wore. As a student studying environmental science, Pradhan utilized the pageant to promote sustainable fashion that can return to the earth.
Made from Malmal cotton and Nepali Dhaka, along with tent fabrics gathered from Everest climbs, her clothing represented sustainability and tradition. Every item was jointly developed with her ideas and the skills of five environmentally aware Nepali designers: Danfe Works, Abir Designs, Swoniga Design, Ekadeshma, and Didi Bahini Creation.
Abir Designs
Bini Bajracharya from Abir Designs provided several items, such as a cotton formal suit, a crocheted top, and an off-shoulder ensemble. The materials—cotton and silk—were obtained from deadstock or leftover fabrics from previous collections. Through the use of low-shine, natural fabrics, Abir Designs focused on comfort and a grounded aesthetic rather than luxury.
The production also featured input from women artisans working remotely, emphasizing an additional aspect of sustainability: financial independence. Rather than adhering to conventional fashion trends, Abir Designs emphasizes deliberate pairings of texture and shape. Their involvement showed that a down-to-earth design philosophy can result in items that are appropriate for a global audience, without the use of artificial coatings or excessive manufacturing.
Danfe Works
Danfe Works concentrated on utilizing their existing inventory of bamboo and cotton fabrics, reducing their ecological impact by refraining from acquiring new materials. Their most notable feature was the incorporation of Mithila art, which was hand-painted onto clothing by artists from Janakpur. Certain artists traveled to Kathmandu to work directly on the pieces, creating a highly cooperative process rooted in cultural interaction.
Rather than focusing on visual impact, Danfe concentrated on simplicity and significance. One Mithila hand-painted skirt required more than three days to complete. Many outfits featured patchwork made from leftover fabric pieces, transforming possible waste into items that could be worn and held symbolic value. The collections were created in collaboration with SAATH, a social enterprise the brand has partnered with for many years, ensuring that every piece promoted both environmental sustainability and economic opportunities.
Swoniga Design
When Pradhan contacted Swoniga Design, it was a last-minute request. Consequently, the dress she wore was taken from the label's 'Kathmandu Fashion Week 2024' collection instead of being created specifically for her. Fortunately, the fit was perfect—both in reality and in meaning. The collection was inspired by the elements—earth, air, fire, and water—themes that align with Pradhan's environmental activism.
Fabrics such as linen, cotton, and silk were selected for their beauty and minimal ecological footprint. The visual balance between Swoniga's seasonal line and Srichcha's personal beliefs made the collaboration natural. Swoniga excels in intricate details like draping, hand-sewing, and accents, which added dimension to the design without requiring synthetic decorations.
Ekadeshma
Ekadeshma designed two unique ensembles for the competition—one made entirely of cotton and the other composed of a hemp-cotton mixture. The creation process was deliberate. 3D floral decorations were made from fabric remnants using zero-waste methods. No artificial components were included, and the clothing highlighted texture, shape, and precise tailoring.
All manufacturing took place in their Kathmandu studio, where female artisans completed every stage—from obtaining materials to designing patterns to the final touches. Ekadeshma's involvement demonstrated its ongoing dedication to slow fashion and traditional skills.
Didi Bahini Creation
Didi Bahini Creation incorporated Matka silk and organic cotton to convert traditional handloom weaving into refined shapes for the competition. The light, airy, and intricately textured materials showcased a strong link to ancestral methods.
The creation process was very careful. Starting with obtaining silk threads to weaving on handlooms, each stage involved experienced workers following a slow, deliberate pace. Modifications were necessary during the process to handle the inconsistencies of handwoven material, which typically arrives in limited quantities with minor differences.
Instead of regarding this as a drawback, the team modified their designs to emphasize these inherent irregularities, making every item have its own unique personality.
"I wished for my clothes to go back to the earth," Pradhan stated. "To enrich the soil." Her clothing collection embodied this philosophy—biodegradable, handwoven, rooted in culture, and made using methods that prioritize people over profit.
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