Staying immensely close to its name, 'The Terra Tribe' is a brand that designs contemporary clothing for those who are mindful of their lifestyle choices and their impact on the earth. The Mumbai-based label founded by Charmee Ambavat is dedicated to the values of transparency, great working conditions for their team, and most importantly - the circular fashion economy. Exemplifying the many tenants of being a slow fashion brand, Terra Tribe has recently launched their collection Indigene, which graced the Lakme X FDCI Fashion Week runway and won Charmee the Lakme Gen-Next Designer award for 2024.
From the Mudhouses one might have seen on screen, to those that still exist among indigenous tribes of Africa that are intricately painted, the Indigene collection is nomadic in its essence. Through the design elements that draw from these intricately painted, and intentionally crafted mud-houses, the designer is showcasing her exploration of a culture that she hadn’t seen growing up. Going beyond the notions of gendered clothing, the pieces from the Indigene collection are versatile in terms of both design and functionality.
Crafted completely in India, the pieces from the Indigene collection are all 100% organic cotton and dyed with non-toxic dyes. Even the trims used to accent and highlight the details of the design are crafted from recycled metal wherever possible, staying true to their conscious perspective towards fashion. Following ethical production practices of the highest quality, Indigene was crafted by the core team at the Terra Tribe with the dedication to being low-waste, providing fair wages and being conscious of resource usage. The brand has even used elements from their archives of past collections to create newer designs to give them new life. The ethical production even extends to ensuring that they are plant-based and vegan.
The nomadic inspiration behind the collection is reflected in the design aspects and details of the Indigene collection. Most of the pieces from the collection straddle the line between functionality and aesthetic appeal - from cargo pants and playsuits to versatile shirts and dresses with side gathers and patch pocket details. The Copenhagen trench coat is a great exemplifier of the brand’s aesthetics, which is versatile but detailed with a refined notch collar, a class button-down front, and elegant wrap details. From ro sleeves to delicate piping, the silhouettes of the Indigene collection are relaxed but still meant for the stylish, sophisticated, eco-conscious sartorialists of India and beyond.
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