In 2022, two textile scientists embarked on a journey to revolutionise the fashion industry by making it more sustainable and ethical. Leaving behind their comfortable jobs in the United States, Aishwarya Lahariya and Adhiraj Shinde set out to address the environmental and ethical concerns surrounding modern fashion. Their quest took them across continents and within India, covering over 19,000 km and more than 200 cities. Along the way, they encountered and studied hundreds of traditional textile arts, understanding the deep-rooted heritage of India’s artisanal craftsmanship.
Their belief in regenerative materials and the magic of human hands led to the creation of a 100% plant-based fashion supply chain. They also succeeded in persuading over 150 artisans to embrace their innovative plant-based raw-material production model. Thus, Jiwya was born—a brand that stands for plant-based, handcrafted, luxury fashion that is kind to people, the planet, and animals.
Meet the founders
Aishwarya Lahariya is a textile scientist, a second-time entrepreneur, and a first-generation businesswoman with a decade of experience in the textile sector. An alumna of Cornell University and the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai, she is passionate about spearheading a sustainability revolution in the fashion industry. At Jiwya, Aishwarya leads the technical team and oversees production. She is also the chief designer, head of creatives, and marketing strategist. Her deep appreciation for the nuances of Indian textile arts is infused into every Jiwya design, ensuring that traditional craftsmanship remains at the forefront of modern sustainable fashion.
Adhiraj Shinde, a textile scientist and visionary entrepreneur, is dedicated to disrupting the global fashion industry with Jiwya. He is an alumnus of North Carolina State University and the Institute of Chemical Technology, Mumbai. With a keen interest in technological and commercial aspects of the business, he ensures smooth logistics, financial operations, and artisan collaborations. He plays a crucial role in managing Jiwya’s extensive artisan network, working closely with over 100 craftspeople to sustain and grow their traditional art forms.
Soil to soil lifecycle
Derived from the Sanskrit word ‘Jeev’, meaning life, soul, and spirit, Jiwya represents a commitment to respecting every life form. The brand is dedicated to sustainable, ethical fashion through a soil-to-soil lifecycle for all its plant-powered creations.
Jiwya is reshaping the future of fashion by ensuring that:
- Fashion does not come at the cost of the environment, people, or animals.
- India’s rich artisanal heritage is celebrated on a global stage.
- Consumers make conscious choices by valuing experiences, stories, and timeless designs over fleeting trends.
From fabric sourcing to final touches, every stage of Jiwya’s production is dedicated to ethical fashion, honouring both the Earth and the hands that craft its pieces.
Jiwya deeply values the artisans who bring its vision to life. Over 150 generational Indian textile artisans are part of the Jiwya family, contributing their heritage and expertise to each handcrafted piece. The fabrics used in Jiwya’s collections are ethically sourced, ensuring transparency and traceability in every step of the supply chain.
These artisans carry centuries of traditional knowledge, which Jiwya actively seeks to revive and showcase in its native forms. By providing fair wages—15-20% higher than industry standards—Jiwya uplifts artisan communities while preserving their unique craftsmanship for future generations.
A bio-circular approach
Jiwya follows a completely plant-based and bio-circular fashion model:
- 100% plant-based yarns & colours: Every element in Jiwya’s garments, from fabrics to dyes, is derived from plants. The brand’s chemistry-backed processes extract soothing shades from natural sources, using only a fraction (1/10th) of the water required by conventional textile methods. The used water is then repurposed to nourish garden soil.
- Zero waste production: Jiwya ensures that every scrap from garment production is upcycled into embellishments, accessories, and fixtures, thereby minimising waste.
- Handcrafted excellence: Believing in the unparalleled craftsmanship of human hands, Jiwya ensures all its products are handmade with meticulous care.
- Fair wages: As a core practice, artisans at Jiwya receive dignified compensation that is above industry standards.
Re:Jiwya: A lifetime commitment to sustainable fashion
Understanding that sustainability extends beyond production, Jiwya takes full responsibility for its garments throughout their lifecycle. The Re:Jiwya programme offers customers a lifetime subscription to:
- Repair: Customers can connect with Jiwya’s team to fix any wear and tear.
- Revamp: Garments can be altered or redesigned at minimal or no cost.
- Reintroduce: Customers can return their used Jiwya pieces for store credit. The brand then responsibly upcycles or composts the returned clothing, ensuring that no garment ever becomes waste.
The future of fashion: Wear your values
Jiwya is not just a brand—it is a movement advocating for a sustainable, ethical future in fashion. By choosing plant-based, handcrafted luxury, Jiwya’s customers align themselves with a fashion philosophy that values people, planet, and animals.
With a commitment to regenerative fashion, artisan empowerment, and ethical craftsmanship, Jiwya stands as a beacon of change, proving that luxury and sustainability can go hand in hand.
The future of fashion is plant-based. Wear your values; we sew ours in.
Read more: Flourish: Pioneering ethical trade and sustainability for a brighter future
