Captured by Sabrina Schaefer, @sabrinaschaef on Instagram
Written by Grace Anderson, @grace.anderson16 on Instagram
Not only has Hansika Iyer been a dedicated CFC member the past four years, but is also senior majoring in Fiber Science and participates in a variety of campus activities as a Mental Health Advocacy chair for the South Asian Council, dances on Cornell Big Red Raas, and is president of the Cornell Fashion Industry Network (CFIN).
Captured by Sabrina Schaefer, @sabrinaschaef on Instagram
The Massachusetts native shares details with us about her upcoming collection that revolves around issues of sustainability and fashion ethics. Hansika’s collection is made entirely out of factory waste scraps from ADAY, a sustainably minded technical womenswear brand. Each outfit is consciously designed to minimize waste and use scraps innovatively.
As a fiber science major, Hansika’s interests are focused on materials. As such, she chose to make her collection entirely out of a single fabric. The challenge pushes Hansika to develop design techniques to manipulate her material and create different effects. When asked if she had a favorite piece in her collection, Hansika says, “I actually love all of the pieces because of the different pieces and techniques that went into them. The leggings have tiny patches of scraps and bits, and the dress is designed to include the end bits of fabric that are usually thrown away.”
Hansika’s collection is crafted with a specific goal in mind: to get consumers to start thinking about their clothing consumption and waste. “Fashion is an art form, but it also leaves so much waste and damage in its path,” Hansika explains. Seeing as though almost 80% of textiles that are manufactured end up in a landfill, it’s no wonder she urges her audience to consider how their choices in where they shop can impact the world.
Captured by Sabrina Schaefer, @sabrinaschaef on Instagram
But what’s Hansika most excited about for the CFC show? “Honestly, getting ice cream with my parents when it's over!” Same, Hansika, same.
Written by Grace Anderson, @grace.anderson16 on Instagram
Follow Hansika on Instagram, @hansqueakie
