Patchwork with Purpose
Born from passion for sustainability and concern over the rampant overconsumption of textiles, Bisou was born.
'As an environmentalist, I began upcycling textile waste into unique patchwork creations—pants, bags, shirts, and more.
While navigating the complexities of sustainable practices in the fashion industry remains challenging, I stay committed to keeping our mission alive and thriving'
Coming from a textile background, what motivated your focus on recycling rather than producing entirely new designs?
Growing up in a textile-focused family and actively participating in our business, I gained firsthand insight into the industry's intricacies, including traditional techniques like block printing. Over time, I became acutely aware of the immense surplus fabric and textile waste being generated. This sparked a deep concern about the resources—time, water, money, and environmental impact—required to produce even a single piece of cloth. With new designs and fabrics emerging daily, I recognized the pressing need to make better use of what already exists. My commitment to recycling was born from a desire to repurpose leftover materials from my family’s business and to take a stand against overconsumption, championing a more sustainable approach to fashion.
'It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work not only highlighted the beauty ofup-cycling but also inspired others to embrace and celebrate it'
What are some of the unspoken challenges you’ve encountered along your journey?
For me, the hardest part has been staying true to my values—standing firm in my commitment to sustainability and giving my all to this mission without compromise. Up cycling and repurposing existing textiles is far from easy, especially in an industry driven by rapidly changing trends. While there was a shift toward conscious consumption post COVID, fast fashion and overconsumption have made a strong resurgence.
Balancing sustainability with staying relevant in such a dynamic market is an ongoing struggle. It takes constant effort to create environmentally friendly products that also align with current fashion trends.
What is the most interesting piece you have created so far?
For me, the most meaningful piece I’ve ever created will always be my first design: Patchwork Cargo Pants. Crafted from small waste swatches stitched together into a single sheet, these pants turned out to be both incredibly comfortable and deeply personal. They’ve become a wardrobe staple for me—I own four pairs and
practically live in them!
What makes them even more special is the ripple effect they created. After launching them,
I noticed countless Instagram pages and brands producing similar patchwork pants.
It’s incredibly rewarding to see how my work not only highlighted the beauty of up cycling but also inspired others to embrace and celebrate it.
How do you manage moments when you feel overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I remind myself to step back and focus on the bigger picture. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps makes them feel less daunting. Sleep is my ultimate recharge—I rely on it to feel refreshed and clear-headed.
Detoxing from social media, spending quality time with friends and family, and taking a two-day break are my go-to strategies for regaining balance and clarity. These moments of rest and reflection allow me to reset and return stronger, with a renewed sense of focus and purpose.
If you had the chance to collaborate with any artist/brand, who would you choose and why?
If I had the chance to collaborate with any artist or brand, choosing just one would be incredibly difficult because so many creators are doing extraordinary work. A few that inspire me deeply are brands like NoBordersShop and Nor Black nor White, known for their unique perspectives and artistry. When it comes to artists, I’m a huge admirer of Rahul Mishra. His ability to seamlessly blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design is truly mesmerizing. Collaborating with someone who shares a passion for storytelling through textiles and sustainability would be an absolute dream.
With ongoing debates about privilege in entrepreneurship, how do you reflect on your own background and the advantages it may have offered in building and growing Bisou?
I often reflect on the privilege I’ve had as an entrepreneur, especially with my family’s background in the fashion and textile business. This foundation certainly made it easier for me to start my own venture, providing access to resources and industry knowledge from an early age. That said, I firmly believe privilege alone isn’t enough. Running and sustaining a business requires skill, a deep understanding of the industry, and effective management. I give myself credit for navigating these challenges and building Bisou with a clear vision and purpose. While privilege can offer an initial advantage, true success hinges on knowledge, dedication, and the ability to adapt, grow, and maintain the business over time
Do you think formal design education is essential, or can one learn and excel from unconventional paths?
What does success mean to you?
I didn’t pursue formal education in fashion or design—it came naturally to me, shaped by my upbringing in a family immersed in the textile business. Being surrounded by textiles and witnessing block printing up close fascinated me and deeply influenced my journey. While I don’t believe formal education in fashion is essential, understanding the basics and foundational principles can be valuable in navigating the industry’s ever-changing nature. Ultimately, success in fashion is driven by creativity, imagination, and vision. Fashion is deeply personal and unique to each individual. As long as you have a clear direction and confidence in what you’re creating, formal education becomes secondary.
To me, success is found in the joy and satisfaction of my clients and customers. It’s when they return to share how much they love the product, how comfortable it is, and how they’re still receiving compliments on it even after two years. Knowing that a piece I created has brought lasting happiness and value to someone’s life is incredibly fulfilling.
Success is about building trust and connection with my customers—seeing them come back for more and truly appreciating the art and thought that goes into each product.
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