Umeed by Swabhimaan: Sustainability and the Art of Hand Block Printing

Bisou is a sustainable clothing venture that upcycles scrap fabric to create pieces that appeal to the “modern” taste. Bisou was started with the objective of preserving the art form of Jaipur hand block printing. It focuses on empowering women and local artisans economically and redefines the arena of fashion through a sustainable approach. Founded by Sachi Badaya in 2020, this clothing brand makes sustainable clothing affordable to reduce the usage of fast fashion, and promote local art industries. In this conversation of Umeed, we talk about the role of women in sustaining the ‘culture’ of traditional art forms. This conversation highlights how adapting to modern practices, and the consequences of the pandemic are essential to conserving the Jaipur hand block printing industry. We shed light on the importance of sustainability, upcycling, thoughtful consumption, and the role producers, consumers, and the government can play in upholding the life of these dying art industries.