If one had the opportunity to sift through Katrina Kaif’s wardrobe, what would you find? Iconic red-carpet regalia, the perfect pair of Levis 501s, a casual pair of dungarees and a section dedicated to just prints. The starlet has often been on our radar for her easygoing style choices that we could reference in our own wardrobes. Of late, Kaif is set on giving her wardrobe a greener update, as an extension of her classic wardrobe, and it’s good news for all her fans.
The icon has handpicked some choice items to part with from her closet, which will go on sale in a new collaboration with pre-loved retail space Saritoria. To the delight of vintage hunters and all the Katrina Kaif fans, the selection will include luxury tags such as Alexander McQueen, Saint Laurent, Jacquemus, Balmain and more. In an exclusive chat with Vogue India, Kaif explains why she has moved towards a sustainable wardrobe and her love for vintage style.
Luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. Do you usually shop consciously?
KK: Absolutely, I believe luxury and sustainability can go hand-in-hand. I have been shopping from Reformation for years now. They source the most sustainable fabrics and it’s something I have always admired them for. A lot of luxury companies are being more conscious of their eco-footprint today. They are also sharing with their consumers how they are actively working towards more climate-neutral and more climate-conscious fashion.
You have been directly involved in the styling of your characters, and all costumes used in your previous film Jagga Jasoos were environment-friendly. Have you always been sustainable and conscious that way? When did you develop this interest?
KK: As all young people do, I have always been interested in fashion. Once I started working in movies, I got the opportunity to explore my love for fashion to its fullest. It’s an ever-evolving industry and there’s always something for people to learn. The term ‘sustainable fashion’ has been around for years and I came across it when I was reading up on how the fashion industry has had a major impact on global warming. Since then my outlook has completely changed. Sustainable fashion, even though it’s more expensive than fast fashion clothes, has long-term benefits. Today, there is more awareness about fast fashion clothes having a negative impact on our environment and consumers are open to making conscious fashion choices. This has made several major fashion brands seriously consider sustainable clothing options.
Throughout your career, you have slipped into some of the most iconic outfits that have often started a trend on their own. Can you talk to us about some of the special pieces from your wardrobe that will be part of this?
KK: I have definitely worn some incredible outfits over the years and have worked with some of the best designers and the best stylists. Actually, it was while having conversations with my friends Anaita Shroff Adajania and Homi Adajania, I felt the need to recycle my wardrobe. I was moved by their passion for environmental issues and I wanted to take a step in the right direction.
What made you decide to recycle your wardrobe with Saritoria?
KK: Saritoria has done a good job of collaborating with leading designers and recycling some of their most popular pieces. A lot of designer pieces are wasted after being showcased at fashion shows and events, what Saritoria has done is get more use out of them and thus reduce excessive wastage. As for my decision to collaborate with Saritoria, it happened organically. One day, I was going through my closet and realised that some of the items haven’t been used in a while. I figured that I might as well find a platform to get them into the hands of people who can make better use of them.
Do you have any special memories attached to the pieces that will be available in this closet sale?
KK: Some of the items that are a part of this closet sale are pieces from my movies and some are items I had worn at award functions. Each item has its own story and a memory attached to it.
The concept of conscious consumerism and sustainable fashion has been well grasped and practised in the western parts of the world. Where do you think the South Asian market stands as of now?
KK: Compared to the western market, the South Asian market is relatively new to sustainable fashion but I feel like we are adapting to it at a great pace. It won’t be long before we are on par with the rest of the world in terms of conscious consumerism.
As somebody who is often under the spotlight, outfit repeating is usually considered as an unfavourable practice. What do you feel about repeating your clothes?
KK: Even though I’m in a space where there’s constant attention to the way I dress, there are times that it cannot be helped. I wear what I like and what makes me feel comfortable. We definitely need to remove the thought of wearing pre-loved outfits or repeating outfits that have already been photographed or seen in public associated with something not cool. Recently, Kate Winslet repeated one outfit she wore years ago. Also, one of Angelina Jolie's daughters wore her old red carpet outfit and that is fantastic. We should be able to repeat an outfit and wear something pre-owned if we wish to. It is a positive action in the right direction towards being environmentally conscious.
What according to you is the best way to give your closet a longer life and not keep buying excessively?
KK: It is really an individual's choice. Some people like buying multiple variations of the latest trends and some like making the most of what they have before going out to shop. We should work towards striking a conscious balance; keeping up with the latest trends is important if you’re part of the fashion industry, but it’s equally important to exercise moderation.
What made you decide to recycle your wardrobe with Saritoria?
KK: I decided to sell my wardrobe with Saritoria in order to raise money for a good cause. I'm also moving towards a more conscious lifestyle and would much rather extend the life of my wardrobe than it ending up in a landfill, especially when these pieces are really very beautiful and mean so much to me! What better way to start the new year than doing something positive for both the community and the planet? I specifically chose to work with Saritoria given their high-touch concierge service and their trusted approach to luxury goods. They have been the first movers in resale in luxury fashion in India and given their large customer base I wanted to ensure that we would raise the most money for a charity.
The concept of conscious consumerism and sustainable fashion has been well grasped and practised in the western parts of the world.
KK: I read that fashion is the second or third most polluting industry in the world today, and also a major contributor in the climate crisis today. I also read that 95 per cent of the clothes that end up as waste on planet earth can be recycled. The fashion industry is waking up to the need of the hour and being responsible for the environment. I constantly see changes being announced by major global companies in the way they are operating.
Where do you think south-Asian market stands as of now?
KK: We are moving in the right direction. The concept of vintage and pre-loved is so cool and everyone knows that. We just need more access to platforms where pre-loved clothes can be bought in India and South Asia. I would definitely encourage people to buy pre-loved goods where they can. It's great to have options like Saritoria.
What according to you is the best way to give your closet a longer life and not keep buying extensively?
KK: There are a lot of ways to do this. Firstly, only select pieces you really love and you can think of at least three or four different scenarios where you can wear the piece. Also, ensure you select high-quality fabrics that will stand the test of time and of course store the garments correctly so that they don’t get damaged in between wears.
Do you think that there is a sense of prejudice involved in our community when it comes to wearing pre-loved pieces in comparison to buying first-hand clothes?
KK: Wearing hand-me-down pieces is a part of Indian culture. We have all worn our big sister’s dress or used a cousin’s bag. Indians are, actually, inherently sustainable in most practices that have been passed on over generations. I believe that Indians will very easily adapt and accept second-hand shopping as a norm. The benefits largely outweigh any prejudice that one might have. Buying second-hand gives them access to designer wear at never seen before prices and allows many more people to enjoy the labels they all aspire to have.
Also read:
Breaking down Katrina Kaif's classic fresh-faced beauty look
Katrina Kaif reveals her beauty secrets–from her favourite products to acing the perfect base
Exclusive: Rapid fire with Katrina Kaif on her cardinal rules for beauty and makeup
