EXPLORING SUSTAINABLE INCLUSIVE FASHION: An Overview Of The Brand “e3 Koncept” with Prof. Rushmita Alam.
By Smile Kwokori.
February 1st, 2024.
Introduction to the e3 Koncept
In the ever-evolving landscape of fashion, where trends come and go like fleeting seasons, emerges a revolutionary concept that transcends the ephemeral nature of style. The E3 Concept, championed by Visionaries Rushmita Alam and Mana Mojaver, who are both Seneca Polytechnic professors is not merely a brand but a groundbreaking philosophy that seeks to redefine the fashion industry’s core principles. At its essence, E3 represents an unwavering commitment to Environmental Sustainability, Ethical Practices, and Educational Initiatives – three pillars that stand tall as a beacon of conscious consumerism in a world dominated by fast fashion.
In the year 2008 Rushmita’s father suffered a stroke during a surgery that left him paralyzed for the remainder of his life, professor Rushmita took on the role of being her father’s caregiver, and it was during this time, while having to cater to the needs of a physically disabled close relative that she gained insight into the hardship experienced by individuals with physical needs in relation to clothing, fashion and style. It was then that the desire to include disabled people in the modern-day fashion trend was ignited.
Mana Mojaver was recovering from a shoulder injury and realised the difficulty Involved in putting on clothing every morning; and as a result, empathized with the millions of physically disabled people having to go through that same difficulty or worse every day.
The lives of both professors crossed paths at the Seneca Fashion design program, and frequent shared lunch break conversations, revealed shared core values, life journeys, and experiences; and as result the idea of the E3 concept was born in the year 2018.
Located at 285 Manitoba Dr Studio 4, Toronto, Ontario, M6K 3C3, Canada the e3 concept is all about the inclusiveness of individuals (adults and children alike) with mobility challenges into fashion.
As stated by Rushmita in an interview “people with mobility challenges should be carried along in terms of fashion, they should feel included and not neglected or left behind.”
The brand fully meets two essential customer needs, one of which is to aid easy wearing and the other to provide quality clothing.
THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE 3 E’s
(E1) Environmental Sustainability;
The first ‘E’ in the E3 Concept signifies a profound dedication to environmental stewardship. The brand recognizes the pressing need for the fashion industry to evolve into a sustainable force. From the careful selection of eco-friendly materials to embracing production processes that minimize ecological impact, the E3 Concept Brand sets a new standard for environmental responsibility. Every garment produced under this concept is a testament to the possibility of creating beauty without compromising the health of our planet.
(E2) Ethical Practices;
Ethics lie at the heart of the E3 Concept. Rushmita Alam firmly believes that fashion should not come at the cost of human dignity. E2 encapsulates the brand’s commitment to fair labour practices, responsible sourcing, and a supply chain that prioritizes the well-being of every individual involved. By aligning with ethical standards, the E3 Concept Brand invites consumers to engage with fashion in a way that is socially responsible and morally conscious.
(E3) Educational Initiatives;
The third ‘E’ introduces a transformative element – education. envisions a world where consumers are not just patrons of fashion but informed advocates for change. Through various educational initiatives, the E3 Concept Brand seeks to empower individuals with knowledge about sustainable practices, ethical considerations, and the profound impact of their choices. E3 is not just a brand; it is a movement that believes knowledge is the catalyst for a paradigm shift in the industry.
The E3 Concept Brand has garnered praise for its success stories, from influencing industry practices to inspiring consumers to adopt a more sustainable wardrobe. However, Rushmita Alam acknowledges the challenges of navigating an industry that has been traditionally driven by fast-paced trends. Overcoming these challenges, the brand continues to thrive, demonstrating that sustainable fashion can be both impactful and commercially viable.
In the world of fashion, where trends are ephemeral, the E3 Concept emerges as a timeless narrative – a narrative that invites us to reconsider our relationship with fashion, to embrace sustainability, ethics, and education as the guiding principles that shape not only what we wear but the world we envision.
E3 is not just a concept; it is a call to action, an invitation to be part of a movement that transcends fashion to create a lasting impact on our planet and its people. Rushmita Alam and partner Mana Mojaver are paving the way for a more conscious and compassionate approach to fashion. As consumers, we have the power to shape the industry, and brands like E3 remind us that our choices can indeed make a difference.
All images are courtesy of the e3 Koncept: