EP 55: Saloni Shrestha, Co-Founder of AGAATI

EP 55: Saloni Shrestha, Co-Founder of AGAATI by North Carolina ethical blogger Still Being Molly


What do you think of when you hear the term “fast fashion”? When I first heard it, I had zero clue what it meant. By definition, “the term “fast fashion” refers to a phenomenon in the fashion industry whereby production processes are expedited in order to get new trends to the market as quickly and cheaply as possible. As a result of this trend, the tradition of introducing new fashion lines on a seasonal basis is being challenged. Today, it is not uncommon for fast-fashion retailers to introduce new products multiple times in a single week.” (source)

The thing is, retailers want to create a “demand” and consumers want to buy things as quickly and cheaply as possible. However, this hurts not only the environment, but it hurts the people behind the products. Even if you don’t “pay” for something by getting it super cheap, someone somewhere else does.

Saloni Shrestha is the founder and head designer for AGAATI, a luxury, high fashion, high quality, sustainable fashion brand. She’s worked with major brands like Oscar De La Renta and Zac Posen… but she quickly learned there was a lot about the fashion industry she didn’t love… so she set out to create something herself. AGAATI is an amazing brand creating beautiful clothing that is kind to the environment and the artisans who make it. You will LOVE Saloni and you will LOVE this episode of the Business with Purpose podcast.

ABOUT SALONI:

Saloni Shrestha, Co-founder & Head Designer, AGAATI California

Saloni Shrestha is a womenswear designer with over 7 years of experience specializing in designing ready-to-wear womens designs that are narratives of nature, culture and people. Saloni is a fashion design graduate from Parsons, The New School where she was trained in couture and read-to-wear garment construction. Her knowledge was further enhanced by training at reputed fashion houses such as Oscar De La Renta, Diane Von Furstenberg, Zac Posen and Naeem Khan.

Saloni’s first design career began with founding of a bold yet wearable womenswear brand SALONI RATHOR, in Singapore. Prior to design, she had a successful marketing career, leading regional teams in Asia. She also holds an MBA with specialization in Marketing.

Saloni’s experience spans across design development and execution, garment construction, textile design and zero waste philosophy design. Most recently, Saloni moved from New York to California and launched AGAATI – a sustainable, contemporary womenswear brand. AGAATI is accessible luxury, bold and eclectic clothing line that offers design focused garments, committed to working with artisans around the world, using natural fibres and creating a positive impact from its business practices. Read all about the brand and its designs on www.agaati.com. Green is the way forward!

Connect with Saloni and AGAATI:

Join my Purchase with Purpose Facebook group and let’s continue the conversation!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/purchasewithpurpose/

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