In this exclusive interview led by Alexander Chetchikov, President of the World Luxury Chamber of Commerce, celebrated designer and ethical fashion pioneer Sanyukta Shrestha shares her journey of redefining luxury with conscience. Known for fusing timeless design with sustainable practices, Sanyukta delves into the delicate balance between creativity and ethics, the importance of preserving Nepalese craftsmanship, and her vision for the future of conscious haute couture.
Alexander Chetchikov: Sanyukta, your collections beautifully fuse luxury with conscience—how do you balance creative freedom as a designer with the ethical imperatives of slow fashion?
Sanyukta Shrestha: Thank you for your kind words about the collections! Balancing creative freedom with the ethical imperatives of slow fashion is definitely a delicate dance, but one that I find incredibly fulfilling.
As a designer, I believe that creativity should not be suppressed, and it’s essential to maintain an innovative spirit. But when it comes to the ethics of slow fashion, the foundation is really about long-term vision and sustainability—both environmentally and socially. So, it’s about creating pieces that are timeless, rather than trendy, and focusing on quality and craftsmanship over quantity.
When I’m designing, I consider the entire lifecycle of a garment, from the root of sourcing materials to the working conditions of the artisans. I may limit my design options based on the availability of sustainable fabrics or prioritize transparency in the supply chain. But within those parameters, there’s a lot of space for artistic exploration.
The beauty of slow fashion is that it allows creativity to thrive within a framework that’s aligned with values. So, instead of feeling restricted, I see it as an opportunity to innovate in ways that really resonate with people, not just aesthetically but ethically as well.
Alexander Chetchikov: As the founder of a UK-based brand deeply rooted in Nepalese craftsmanship, how do you maintain a strong connection with your heritage while designing for a global clientele?
SS: I believe it has been a journey with a delicate balance of authenticity and innovation. To maintain a strong connection with my heritage while designing for a global clientele I prioritize working directly with skilled artisans in Nepal, ensuring that century-old traditional techniques like hand-weaving, hand spinning, and hand embroidery remain at the heart of every product. By fostering long-term relationships with these artisans, I preserve their craftsmanship and provide fair wages, supporting the local economy and culture.
When designing for a global market, I focus on blending traditional Nepalese aesthetics with contemporary, versatile styles that resonate internationally.
I also educate my customers about the heritage behind the products through storytelling, highlighting the significance of the craftsmanship and the artisans’ stories, fostering a sense of cultural appreciation.
Ultimately, my approach is to stay true to the heart of Nepalese craftsmanship while adapting it to the tastes and needs of a diverse, global audience—ensuring both authenticity and relevance.
Alexander Chetchikov: From Victoria’s Secret models to classical sopranos, your evening wear has adorned a diverse range of celebrities—what draws them to your sustainable aesthetic, and how do these collaborations shape your creative direction?
SS: For me, the focus is always on creating pieces that are both timeless and impactful, not just in terms of beauty, but also in their environmental and ethical considerations.
Celebrities are often looking for something that stands out, that makes a statement—not just on the red carpet but on a deeper, more personal level. They’re drawn to my designs I believe because sustainability isn’t just a trend; it’s a philosophy that aligns with the values they increasingly want to reflect in their public lives.
These collaborations have a profound impact on my creative direction because they provide the opportunity to experiment, push boundaries, and learn from some of the world’s most influential figures. Working with such a wide range of people has allowed me to expand my approach, incorporating more diverse influences and seeing how different aesthetics—like classical opera’s elegance versus the sensuality of Victoria’s Secret—can be interpreted through the lens of sustainability. It challenges me to be more innovative and often leads me to rethink traditional techniques or materials, finding ways to elevate them while keeping sustainability at the forefront.
It’s really about balance: how to craft something that feels opulent and luxurious, yet is responsibly made. That’s the driving force behind each collection and collaboration.
Alexander Chetchikov: Winning the PETA Luxury Vegan Wedding Award is a significant milestone—what does this recognition mean for you as a slow fashion advocate, and how do you see the future of vegan materials in haute couture?
SS: Winning the PETA Luxury Vegan Wedding Award is truly humbling, and it serves as a testament to the growing movement toward ethical and sustainable fashion. As a slow fashion advocate, this recognition reinforces the importance of conscious choices within the fashion industry. It signifies a shift in how consumers and designers are increasingly prioritizing ethics alongside aesthetics, making it clear that luxury can exist without compromising the environment or animal welfare.
For me, this award underscores the transformative potential of vegan materials in haute couture. High fashion is often seen as resistant to change, but this recognition proves that there is a demand for innovative alternatives that do not rely on animal-derived products. The future of vegan materials in haute couture is bright—advances in plant-based leather, organic certified textiles, and innovative sustainable fabrics are already reshaping the landscape whether it’s fruit waste, vegetable waste, or recycling plastic waste.
This shift is not just about replacing one material with another; it’s about redefining luxury itself. As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and ethical impacts of their choices, we’re seeing a future where high fashion embraces sustainability, innovation, and compassion as its core values, and that’s something truly exciting to be a part of.
Alexander Chetchikov: Your role as a speaker and thought leader in ethical bridal fashion has grown over the years—what key message do you hope to deliver to the next generation of designers and consumers in the luxury space?
SS: As a speaker and thought leader in ethical bridal fashion, my key message to the next generation of designers and consumers is simple: conscious luxury is the future. In the luxury bridal space, we have the opportunity to redefine what luxury means—shifting from exclusivity at the expense of ethics, to exclusivity built on sustainability, craftsmanship, and transparency. Designers must embrace innovative, eco-friendly materials and ethical production practices, knowing that true luxury is rooted in the integrity of the process, not just the product.
For consumers, I encourage a shift towards mindful consumption. A luxury item should not only reflect personal style but also resonate with the values of care for people and the planet. By demanding transparency and supporting brands that prioritize ethical practices, we can elevate the entire industry.
The next generation has the power to lead this transformation, crafting a more sustainable, equitable, and beautiful future for bridal fashion. It’s not about compromising luxury but enhancing it with deeper meaning and lasting impact.
Thank you to Sanyukta Shrestha for sharing such thoughtful insights and inspiration. Her work reminds us that true luxury is not only about exquisite craftsmanship but also about making a positive impact on the world. We look forward to seeing how her vision continues to shape the future of ethical fashion.
Follow her journey on LinkedIn and view her collection here: https://sanyuktashrestha.com/
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