S05 Episode 242 | Questioning the meaning behind *regenerative fashion* and building new fashion systems with Christy Dawn & Oshadi Collective

<p class=""><img src= "https://assets.libsyn.com/secure/show/99761/Ep242-ChristyDawn-OshadiCollective-final_copy-libsyn.jpg" alt="" width="600" height="600" /></p> <p class="">In episode 242, Kestrel welcomes Nishanth Chopra, the founder of Oshadi Collective, to the show, alongside Mairin Wilson, the head of regenerative practices at Christy Dawn. A regenerative farm and textile production community based in Erode, India, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/oshadi_collective/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Oshadi Collective</a> has been working in partnership with <a href="https://christydawn.com" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christy Dawn</a> to develop and release farm-to-closet garments.</p> <p><strong>"It's about connection, connecting to everything you do and having an alternative way of looking at things. Whether it be a relationship with another being or another person or a relationship with the plants or a relationship with any aspect — anything that you interact with in the supply chain. So, when we talk about agriculture, it’s about the soil, it’s about ecosystems, it’s about the biodiversity, it’s about the animals. You know, it’s not just about *not* adding chemicals — it's about recreating something which we have destroyed for years and years and years." -Nishanth</strong></p> <p class="">The word <em>regenerative</em> has been popping up in mainstream fashion conversations more regularly over the last year or so – it’s been written about in <em>Vogue</em>, <em>Marie Claire</em>, <em>Women’s Wear Daily</em>, and more. But a lot of the methods and concepts used in regenerative agriculture are not new at all – they're rooted in circular practices cultivated by Indigenous people over thousands of years. And they are tied to ancient practices for the cultivation of fiber and beyond.</p> <p class="">Unfortunately, as we see over and over again, the often whitewashed sustainability movement has a reputation of taking ideas or practices from Black and Brown Indigenous communities, without giving cred