Founder & Chairperson
Smt. Smita Shrivastav
Drawing inspiration from the "Make in India" initiative, Smita Shrivastav conceived the idea of the "Confluence,” an initiative aiming to bridge the gap between art, artisans, and the general public. At the core of this concept, thrives the desire to create something meaningful and accessible, making art more approachable for everyone. Aligning with the ethos of "Make in India," the Confluence initiative also seeks to preserve and celebrate India's rich heritage in art and culture, known since ancient times among our local communities. This endeavour not only seeks to encourage industries to establish manufacturing bases in India but also generate employment opportunities while fostering the growth of supportive ecosystems that empower small businesses.
Our mission is to bring art to the masses, illuminating its beauty and providing artisans with the means to sustain their livelihoods. Smita, as a social entrepreneur, is deeply driven by her vision and fully committed to realizing this dream. Refusing to let even the slightest opportunity slip away, Smita wholeheartedly immerses herself in the journey of improving lives through the expression of their unique skills.
Sustainable and ethical clothing is making a significant impact in the Indian market, as brands embrace a new era in the fashion industry.
From ensuring fair wages for workers to utilizing natural fabrics and dyes, this shift is transforming the way clothes are produced. Interestingly, this concept has deep roots in India, with our revered leaders and thinkers advocating for the use of Swadeshi and organically grown fabrics for attire.
Gone are the days when organic fashion was perceived as dull and outdated. Today, new designers are emerging with captivating collections that feature fabrics like Khadi and Hemp. These designers bring a fresh and exciting perspective to sustainable fashion, infusing it with creativity and style.
In the realm of sustainable fashion, Designer Dr Smita Shrivastav stands as an embodiment of its values. Her unwavering commitment to working with artisans and sourcing ethically produced materials sets her apart. Moreover, she adopts innovative and environmentally conscious production processes, further exemplifying her dedication to sustainable practices.
"We have to realize that sustainable fashion can help us move beyond fast fashion,” says Smita, who heads ‘The Bridal Banaras’.
"The pandemic has come as a wake-up call for us to realign our goals collectively, and target sustainable ways of production and look at consumption with fresh eyes and new perspectives," she adds. "At our fashion house, every decision in the office factors in our progress towards carbon neutrality."
Conferred with the ‘Make in India’ award in 2017 and several accolades from different organisations for her efforts to conserve the dying heritage crafts of India, Smita found her calling while working and uplifting weavers of Banaras and took designing as her profession. Blending her own artistic vision with the exquisite weaves of Banaras, she launched her Bridal Collection and showcased the fascinating legacy of Banaras fashion in her fashion shows in Switzerland, Norway, Dubai and London.
Her creations reflect the essence of Indian tradition fused with contemporary Western influences. Rooted in bohemian aesthetics, Smita’s authentic designer line brings a fresh perspective to the heritage of Indian fashion. The label showcases a harmonious blend of vibrant colours, luxurious fabrics, and a captivating visual palette. Making her debut in the fashion industry in 2018, Smita has quickly become a name to watch for in the world of ethnic fashion.
As an advocate of sustainable fashion, Smita has inspired and revamped the lives of many weavers. She collaborated with many traditional weavers, who were fast losing visibility and business amid the madness over artificial and synthetic fabrics. Through this endeavour, she reemphasizes the need for sustainable fashion ideas for a healthier future with less wastage and much reusability, being concerned about the planet.
Smt. Smita Shrivastav
Make In India Activist
Founder & Chairperson - Confluence