In a world striving for sustainability and social equity, Revival Espadrilles stand out as a remarkable embodiment of conscious fashion. A collaboration between Ecomilli and Revival, this project is more than just footwear; it’s a story of heritage, empowerment, and a vision for a better future. Here, we delve into the roots of this collaboration, its innovative approach to circular fashion, and its ties to Bangladesh’s rich cultural landscape.
The Genesis of Revival Espadrilles
Revival Espadrilles were born out of a shared mission: to create sustainable, socially impactful products that honor traditional craftsmanship. Revival, co-founded by Huda Mohammed Faisal, focuses on preserving cultural heritage, empowering women, and fostering a sustainable apparel industry in Bangladesh. Partnering with Ecomilli, a brand known for its eco-conscious ethos, this collaboration brought the vision of artisan-made, jute-soled espadrilles to life.
The idea was sparked by the recognition of jute as a versatile, eco-friendly material abundant in Bangladesh, the world’s second-largest producer of jute. Combining Revival’s expertise in leveraging traditional Bangladeshi techniques with Ecomilli’s commitment to sustainability, these espadrilles redefine ethical fashion.
Behind the Scenes: Collaborators with a Vision
Revival: A Mission Rooted in Sustainability
Founded to combat the challenges of a fast-fashion-dominated industry, Revival emphasizes a circular economy. The project not only utilizes recycled materials but also seeks to stabilize production cycles and address environmental concerns. By employing traditional weaving techniques, like Jamdani and Nokshi Katha, and incorporating recycled fabrics, Revival ensures its products celebrate cultural heritage while promoting sustainability.
Huda Mohammed Faisal, an architect and cultural heritage advocate, spearheads Revival with a vision to uplift communities. His initiatives include creating jobs for women and using a portion of sales for children’s education—efforts that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Guided by a Visionary
Revival is honored to have been inaugurated by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, whose visionary "Three Zero" concept—Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, and Zero Carbon Emissions—has profoundly shaped our mission.
Ecomilli: The Eco-Warrior
Ecomilli has established itself as a leader in sustainable fashion. With a focus on ethical production and eco-friendly materials, the brand’s collaboration with Revival marks a significant step towards promoting artisan-made, environmentally conscious footwear. Their shared values in social responsibility make this partnership a natural fit.
The Designer: Kira Ryo
Kira Ryo, the designer behind Revival Espadrilles, brings a wealth of experience from the global fashion industry. With expertise in creating timeless, sustainable designs, Ryo’s work seamlessly merges functionality with aesthetic appeal. His approach to circular fashion is evident in the use of handwoven jute soles and recycled fabric uppers, making each pair of espadrilles a masterpiece of eco-luxury.
Bangladesh: The Heart of Revival Espadrilles
Bangladesh’s textile heritage plays a pivotal role in the creation of Revival Espadrilles. The handwoven jute soles, combined with recycled materials from surplus apparel, embody the essence of the country’s craftsmanship. This initiative not only celebrates traditional techniques but also addresses the pressing issue of waste in the fashion industry by promoting recycling and upcycling.
Moreover, Revival’s efforts in Bangladesh extend beyond production. By empowering women artisans and preserving fading crafts, the project fosters economic independence and safeguards cultural legacies.
The Journey of Revival: From Concept to Collaboration
Revival began with a simple but powerful idea—to preserve cultural heritage while promoting sustainability. The journey from ideation to market wasn’t easy, but each step brought them closer to their vision of creating a positive impact through fashion.
The Spark of an Idea (2018-2019)
The seeds of Revival were sown during market research and brainstorming sessions. Recognizing the need for sustainable and impactful products, Revival was conceived as a project that would bridge cultural heritage with modern, ethical fashion.
Market Validation and Pilot Tests (2020)
Revival conducted initial market research and pilot tests to explore the potential of sustainable materials like recycled cotton sarees, crushed cotton from garment waste, and Nokshi Katha fabric. These efforts were aimed at integrating traditional Bangladeshi techniques into globally appealing designs.
Community Collaboration (2021)
Partnering with artisans in Jamdani villages and empowering women through skill-building workshops became a cornerstone of the project. Revival also established connections with local universities and NGOs to build a foundation for sustainable craft villages.
Refining the Vision (2022)
Revival formalized its journey by collaborating with Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, whose “Three Zero” philosophy (Zero Poverty, Zero Unemployment, Zero Carbon Emissions) became a guiding principle. The name “Revival” was finalized during these discussions, symbolizing the rebirth of cultural heritage and sustainable practices.
Collaboration with Ecomilli (2023)
With its values rooted in eco-consciousness, Ecomilli joined hands with Revival to bring artisan-crafted, sustainable espadrilles to life. This collaboration combined Revival’s expertise in traditional Bangladeshi fabrics with Ecomilli’s dedication to ethical production and global reach.
Crafting Revival Espadrilles: A Sustainable Innovation
The design and production of Revival Espadrilles exemplify thoughtful craftsmanship and sustainability. Each step reflects Revival’s commitment to preserving traditional techniques and minimizing environmental impact.
- Materials That Tell a Story:
- Revival Espadrilles feature upcycled leather, recycled cotton sarees, crushed denim, and handwoven jute soles. These materials are sourced from surplus textiles and garment waste, ensuring that every pair contributes to reducing landfill waste.
- Artisanal Excellence:
- Each pair of espadrilles undergoes meticulous hand-stitching—a process that takes four times longer than standard methods. This results in triple-strength stitching, providing unmatched durability and a distinct artisanal touch.
- Inspired by Bangladeshi Craftsmanship:
- Techniques like Jamdani weaving and Nokshi Katha embroidery are seamlessly integrated into the designs, celebrating the rich textile heritage of Bangladesh.
Crafting the Perfect Espadrilles
Revival Espadrilles are a testament to sustainable innovation and artisanal craftsmanship. Key materials and features include:
- Upcycled Leather Scraps: Used in designs like the Leather Horizon Espadrilles and Eclipse Weaved Leather Mules, offering durability and a premium look.
- Recycled Cotton Saree Uppers: Adding a touch of cultural vibrancy, these materials breathe new life into discarded garments.
- Recycled Denim and Canvas: Sourced from surplus textiles, these materials are used in styles such as the Denim Laced Espadrilles and Canvas Espadrille.
- Handwoven Jute Soles: Lightweight, durable, and biodegradable, these soles highlight the rich heritage of Bangladeshi craftsmanship.
What sets these espadrilles apart is their meticulous hand-stitching, which takes artisans four times longer than standard methods. This commitment to quality results in triple-strength stitching, ensuring durability and a unique artisanal touch in every pair.
Why Choose Revival Espadrilles?
- Eco-Friendly Materials: Every pair of espadrilles is crafted using sustainable jute and recycled fabrics, reducing environmental impact.
- Cultural Heritage: By incorporating traditional Bangladeshi techniques, these shoes are a celebration of art and history.
- Social Impact: Each purchase contributes to women’s employment and children’s education, fostering community development.
- Unparalleled Craftsmanship: With triple-strength stitching and handwoven details, these espadrilles stand the test of time.
- Versatile Options: From Denim Patch Sliders to Solstice Mules, there’s a style for every occasion.
Revival Espadrilles exemplify how fashion can be a vehicle for change. Rooted in sustainability, cultural preservation, and social impact, this collaboration between Revival and Ecomilli offers a glimpse into the future of ethical fashion. By choosing these espadrilles, you become a part of a global effort to make fashion more inclusive and environmentally responsible. Step into sustainability with Revival Espadrilles and walk the talk for a better tomorrow
