Arture goes to London Fashion Week

Anybody that’s any kind of entrepreneur will tell you tales of intense highs, and disheartening lows. Of fears holding them back, and of wins propelling them forward.

And this was one heck of a win for Arture – a homegrown fashion brand that I’ve had the privilege to work with.

This February, Arture displayed at the London Fashion Week – the only Indian brand to be showcased at the Commonwealth Fashion Council reception held at the end of Fashion Week, hosted at the New Zealand High Commission in London.

“The CFC works to support and advocate sustainable development, education, youth and gender empowerment in the current and emerging fashion industries within the 52 member Nations of the Commonwealth.”

Arture was approached by the organisation, to collaborate with a Sri Lankan designer to produce bags in their signature material – cork. This was part of the new “100% Made in Commonwealth” initiative, aimed at bringing members of the fashion fraternity from the Commonwealth nations together.

Arture’s incredible story was shared with the High Commissioners, diplomats and fashion designers at the event – a feat that Shivani and Keshsa, the co-founders are incredibly proud of (who I’m honoured to have represented!)

“This backpack was a wonderful collaborative project between Commonwealth nations, and we’re so glad we got a chance to be a part of it,” says Shivani. “As soon as I saw the design, I was excited to work on it. Arture provided the technical expertise and its signature material – cork, to bring the design to life.”

Arture produces sustainable, strong, beautiful accessories made with cork, and have loads of exciting new ideas up their sleeve for this year. Being at London Fashion Week was just the beginning! Read more about their products, and about their collaboration initiatives.

Some other brands that were part of the event included Triarchy, Madam Wokie from Sierra Leone, Koco, Black Coffee, Andrew Logan, and Meiling. Read more.