Designer Anita Dongre, who has long promoted sustainable fashion, believes the pandemic has given designers a chance to reset the industry and urges them to take responsibility of their production process.

Owner of the sustainable brand Grassroot along with a number of other brands, Dongre recently released a line of handwoven silk sarees for Grassroo. Other recent launches include garments hand block printed in Rajasthan and others dyed with indigo.

She believes, designers can use this collective pause as a re-thinking strategy. They should start at the core of their brand and re-evaluate the principles that govern their design choices. Dongre also encourages fellow designers to seek out more ethical raw materials and make sure the end product justifies its means of production.

The designer urges brands and consumers alike to get rid of their cost-cutting mentality which has led to poor labour conditions for workers and materials that are harmful to the environment.