The following post is brought to you by our sponsor, Ethnic Thread—a platform where you can rent, sell and exchange personal style. The images below are courtesy of the Ethnic Thread team. Giveaway details included at the end of the article.
Imagine opening your closet and having a heaping pile of clothes topple all over you—and all of a sudden, you’re buried under your own gluttony and guilt. You start to ask yourself, “Why am I such an impulsive buyer?” And then, you pick up a piece of clothing that had been stashed deep inside this mound and think, “When was the last time I wore this?”
[Who’s seen this in their closet before? Don’t you think it’s time to declutter?]
Hey, we’re not making the idea of shopping and owning a whole lotta clothes sound morbid! Trust us when we say, shopping is a girl’s best friend. But what if you have an abundance of clothes (that you maybe don’t wear anymore), and they actually do fall all over you one day, when you go to open your closet?
Sailee, founder of Ethnic Thread, experienced a similar fate with an excess of clothing she had taking up her closet space. After she returned from a trip to India in 2014, she recalls hanging up all her clothes having splurged while on vacation, when her closet caved in on her!
I was thinking to myself, ‘What do I do? I have so many clothes!’ I didn’t want to give them to goodwill, and my nieces and daughter were too young, so that’s when an idea came along. Why not make something to pass these clothes along to people who are interested?
[A user-friendly, and simple, mobile platform to help through all your buying, selling, and renting needs.]
And Ethnic Thread is the brain-child behind this cave-in and the name of Sailee’s entrepreneurial idea. It’s a mobile app for women to exchange ethnic fashion—they can sell, rent, or exchange with anyone who is interested in South Asian fashion. The beauty of the app is that as a vendor/buyer, you can chat directly with one another because there’s no third party interaction. It’s like a social network for women; or even better, something similar to Kijiji, which is quite popular in Canada, or Poshmark
Every user creates a profile on this platform. Once you’ve signed in and are a part of the Ethnic Thread community, you can start following others who have registered on the app—this is how you get to see who’s posting what to sell and/or rent. Like someone’s style? Follow them to see when they will possibly post something up for grabs!
[Follow your favorite fashionistas on the app to make sure you don’t miss any of their offers!]
So what if a customer, Malini, has a pooja to attend and she’s in desperate need of a saree, something she can find just minutes away from her home so she doesn’t have to travel half way across the state to pick up her rental? She can easily log in to Ethnic Thread and use the appropriate filters to sort her needs by type and even radius. So if Malini doesn’t want to travel that extra mile to pick up her red saree from someone willing to rent out theirs, you best believe she doesn’t have to!
Now, let’s say Malini has picked up her prized red saree but needs someone to do an alteration on it because it’s most probable that everyone who buys/borrows from someone else, will need appropriate fitting. She can easily access the “talents” section of the Ethnic Thread app to see if there’s anyone in her area that has listed “altering” or “seamstress” as a part of their skill on their profile. But you’re not limited to just these skills. You can also list “makeup and henna artist,” “photographer,” and “stylist” just to name a few.
[Plenty of talent and services available for you on Ethnic Thread.]
Although the marketing niche is ethnic South Asian clothing, as a user of the app, you’re free to put up any type of clothing you prefer to sell or rent. Sailee says that this idea picked up steam mainly because people don’t normally repeat their ethnic clothes after they’ve worn it once or twice.
So giving one of your prized pieces away, “makes you feel good because you know that someone will wear your dress on their special day, and that you’re giving another life to the outfit.”
Sailee also wants her brand to focus on connecting the people that are a part of the transaction as opposed to the buying and selling of goods:
I want people to go there [on the app] and feel connected to the person who is selling, and not just what they’re selling. People can write stories about their items as well. For example, we had a lady who was selling envelopes, and she added that her 9-year-old daughter made them, and there was massive support from the community.
[There’s more than just clothing available on the app—how about some jewellery to go with that outfit? Or what about a purse? Ladies, you’re even able to sell paintings on this platform, so you’re not just limited to articles of clothing!]
Even though most of the Ethnic Thread team is based out of India from areas such as Pune, Mumbai, and Delhi, the app is available worldwide. One of the most convenient aspects of this platform is that you will be able to see the deals of the country you sign in from—you don’t have to manually make any adjustments to location.
Ethnic Thread is a nifty platform made by women, for women. With 100% of the team made up of females, you know that they all understand to free up a bit of closet space, all to get something new in there at your earliest convenience!
Hop on to www.ethnicthread.com and check out the wonders the mobile app can work for you! You might just be one step closer to wearing your dream outfit to your next big event.
Ethnic Thread is providing the first 20 women who sign up using the code “BGM” with $20 towards anything they would like to purchase through the app.
Ethnic Thread is a mobile app available to South Asian women around the world. Women can use this app to rent, buy, and exchange their clothing items and fashion accessories in efforts to help declutter their closets and give another life to an outfit. Download the app here, and start exchanging your personal style.
When she was young, Preeti Gore, the founder of the clothing brand Tilted Lotus, always looked up to her dad’s “natural sketching” talent. His motivation led her to explore her creative side, whether it was experimenting with art or taking up sitar lessons. Regardless of that fact, she pursued a career in science and became a Physical therapist, following her gut instinct.
Stepping into the world of fashion, alongside being a PT, Gore talks to Brown Girl Magazine about her brand Tilted Lotus in depth.
Why “Tilted Lotus?” What is the significance of the name?
‘Lotus’ symbolizes the national flower of India, my birthplace and the land that has shaped me into the person I am today. It represents the roots from which I originate. On the other hand, ‘Tilted’ signifies the distinctive identity I developed while living in Western countries. With my experiences spanning four different nations — India, the UK, Canada, and the US — I’ve had the privilege of embracing the unique qualities of each culture. This odyssey has enriched my life tremendously, and Tilted Lotus is how I offer this special part of me to a diverse American market.
How did the transition to the world of textiles and design occur?
Despite never being pressured by my parents, I convinced myself that pursuing a career in science was the ‘right’ path, and thus became a physical therapist. My first job in the US was at Houston Methodist Hospital, located in the prestigious Texas Medical Center. Driven by my passion to help others, I am dedicated to this profession and have no intention of quitting. Relocating to the UK, and Canada, and eventually settling in the US presented numerous challenges, and every time I felt shattered, defeated, or alone, I somehow found the strength to push forward. My parents, despite limited resources, supported my dreams wholeheartedly, encouraging independence and the pursuit of my passions. My husband — who I affectionately call my “Sheldon” (a nod to The Big Bang Theory) — played a pivotal role in persuading me to embrace my creative instincts. I am grateful to have him as both a strong supporter and a staunch feminist.
Two years ago, I took the first step toward launching Tilted Lotus. I enrolled in the entrepreneurship program at The Wharton School and pursued a course on starting a fashion line. I was focused on finding the right supply chain and developing a solid business strategy, but the real test came when I had to work tirelessly in the ICU during the COVID wave, back-to-back nights and days, all at the same time. Through ups and downs, failures, and victories, I finally launched Tilted Lotus in December 2022.
India to the UK…then now to the US! Did the need to stay rooted in your culture strengthen? If so, how did that help you envision Tilted Lotus?
From my childhood days, I’ve held onto my personal values like a compass guiding my way. During my experiences living in different countries, I noticed [I was] slowly losing myself, losing what truly makes me, me. But my love for my culture grew stronger, and I found ways to preserve it. As I wore clothing that reflected my identity and initiated conversations about culture and heritage, I discovered that these markers not only distinguish us but also bring us closer together. People are often eager to learn and experience different cultures, which inspired me to create Tilted Lotus, offering a glimpse of me to others.
How do you aim to combine South Asian elements with contemporary designs?
The design process for creating an outfit involves a multitude of elements. Our primary objective is to take a traditional Indian art form, put a Tilted Lotus twist on it, and incorporate it into contemporary, everyday silhouettes that are both adaptable and effortless to wear. Our latest collection, Jungle Glam, embodies this unique concept flawlessly.
Who is your target audience? And, how do your pieces help express themselves?
We cater to a diverse and inclusive audience, embracing individuals of all ages, genders, races, and ethnicities. While our current selection includes unisex options, our plans involve expanding more into the realm of unisex clothing. Our aim is for our garments to transcend traditional gender norms, welcoming everyone into our fashion community, regardless of their background.
Our target demographic consists of individuals who revel in dressing eclectically, and fearlessly expressing their unique selves. Our garments become a canvas for personal stories, silently representing who they are. They complement individual styles and can be effortlessly combined with other pieces, adding a touch of boldness and confidence.
One adjective to describe your clothing line.
Expressive.
How do you want people to feel when wearing your clothes?
Our ultimate goal is for them to exude confidence, radiate happiness, and proudly embrace their true selves when they don our clothing. We want them to feel empowered, ready to conquer the world, and unapologetically display their unique style and individuality.
You mention one of your brand values is compassion. Can you tell us a little about your vision to help your non-profit partner: Three Little Pitties Rescue?
We take great pride in being a strong corporate sponsor for the Three Little Pitties Rescue, an extraordinary non-profit 501c3 organization that goes above and beyond to rescue dogs and cats in dire situations, primarily in the Houston, Texas area. Their unwavering dedication has resulted in the rescue and salvation of over 11,000 animals in recent years, and we are honored to contribute to their cause.
As avid animal lovers, our affiliation with Three Little Pitties Rescue began long before the inception of Tilted Lotus. We have closely collaborated with them, witnessing firsthand their remarkable achievements and tremendous growth over the past few years. Their progress has been fuelled by sheer honesty, selflessness, and unrelenting hard work.
One thing that sets Three Little Pitties Rescue apart is their absolute commitment to ensuring that every donation they receive is put to its intended purpose. They maintain the highest standards of transparency and accountability, ensuring that funds are used solely for the betterment of the rescued animals. There is no room for misuse or misappropriation.
Through our partnership with Three Little Pitties Rescue, we have witnessed the profound impact they have on the lives of animals in need. We are privileged to be part of their journey and contribute to their noble mission. Together, we strive to make a lasting difference and create a better world for our furry friends.
We are set to rock the Runway show at New York Fashion Week this fall with Runway 7 productions at Sony Hall, New York. We will be unveiling an all new collection.
Stylish, sustainable silhouettes with love. Tilted Lotus is synonymous with wearing your culture with pride. With prints that bring you back to traditional Indian art, the collections have pieces that you can wear to your next big event or even pair with your everyday jeans and a tee.
And, after an incredible showcase at Austin Fashion Week, the Slow Fashion Festival, and two successful pop-up events at Renegade Craft and Austin Fashion Week, the team is thrilled about what lies ahead this year! Their calendars are full, and they couldn’t be more grateful to everyone that showered them with love and welcomed them with open arms.
Here are some exciting upcoming events Titled Lotus has planned, and they’d be delighted to have you join them in person!
New York Fashion Week: Runway 7, Sony Hall, September 9, New York
In Todo Pop-up Shop: November 4-5, Los Angeles, California
You can continue to be part of their journey by following them on their official Instagram account, here.
January 27, 2023February 1, 2023 2min readBy Sandeep Panesar
The results are in — the Pantone Color for 2023 is here — and it looks like Viva Magenta will be ruling runways, the streets, and (even) your wardrobes.
Viva Magenta is a deep shade of red, and Pantone describes it:
Brave and fearless.
It’s meant to be celebratory, and joyous, and encourage experimentation. If you were thinking of toning it down a notch with your wardrobe in 2023, it’s time to think again. It can really be your time to shine in something bright and colorful!
Aprajit Toor, Arpita Mehta, and Rahul Khanna break it down for you — what to wear, how to pair, and everything in between. Their takes on the Pantone Color for 2023 are simple but they’ll help you make a bold statement anywhere you go!
Take a look at what they have to say.
Rahul Khanna of Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna:
Viva Magenta is a color that suits all skin tones. It’s a color for all occasions; women and men can both wear this color with [the] right styling. Cocktail saris, jumpsuits, and reception gowns are some great options for women whereas, for men, the color has started picking up a lot lately. Men have started experimenting with their looks and we as designers have more options for men as well. Recently, we made a custom-made silk velvet fit for Ranveer Singh in the same color. Apart from your everyday clothing, Viva Magenta is also going to be the ruling shade for the upcoming wedding season.
The best way to do Viva Magenta in your everyday wardrobe is to go top to bottom in [it]. Be it in co-ord sets or a kaftan or any comfortable outfit. It’s such a bold & beautiful color that it looks the best when it’s self on self rather than teaming it up or breaking it with another color.
Aprajita Toor:
Viva Magenta is a very powerful and empowering color that descends from the red family. It is an animated red that encourages experimentation and self-expression without restraint; an electrifying shade [that] challenges boundaries. One can easily incorporate this color by picking a statement footwear, bag, or jewelry in Viva Magenta which can be paired with neutral or monotone colored outfits.
And there you have it — three ways you can easily take a vibrant hue and turn it into something you can wear every day. Take cues from these top designers on how to wear the Pantone Color of the year and get started! We’d love to see how you style Viva Magenta!
January 3, 2023January 10, 2023 3min readBy Subrina Singh
Curried Chicken with Roti Parata or Roti, popular Middle Eastern/Indian cuisine
It is officially that time of year—the holiday season. There’s nothing like Christmas and New Year’s in the West Indies. Between the pepperpot in Guyana and the palm trees decorated in lights in Trinidad, the home food, warm weather and laid-back ambiance makes us wish we could escape the cold and head back to the Caribbean. Most of us, however, cannot “take holiday” and find ourselves hungry for fresh dhal puri and doubles. But, thanks to these Indo-Caribbean food bloggers, we can bring the motherland to our kitchens.
From Diwali mithai specialties to curry chicken, Matthew is creating a name for himself as a young Guyanese food blogger. He makes a great effort to incorporate Hindu holidays and traditions on his Instagram account, in conjunction with the customary foods and sweets associated with these religious events. However, his expertise does not end there, with new and alternative recipes for classic dishes such as curry chicken and bhara, Matthew takes center stage sharing both traditional Guyanese dishes as well as specific religious dishes made for festivals. His most popular YouTube video, with 1.4 million views, features his grandmother and focuses on the best tips to make the softest Guyanese paratha roti. In addition, his YouTube account is home to many videos offering guidance to Indo Caribbean cooking. Find recipes at @mattews.guyanese.cooking
Natasha Laggan of Trini Cooking with Natasha is wildly popular throughout the Caribbean and the U.S. With humble beginnings, Natasha credits her love of food to her family’s business. She speaks of the nostalgia home food provides her as she reminisces memories of her grandmother’s cooking and helping her mother make sandwiches early in the morning. Featured by Forbes, Natasha grew her Facebook following quickly throughout the pandemic by posting old YouTube videos. Today, she has more than 1 million followers on Facebook and over 200K followers on YouTube. She uses her passion for cooking and Trinidadian culture to bring easy-to-follow recipes to viewers. Her following has now reached the West Indian diaspora globally as she has also become a brand ambassador to two well-known food companies. Follow the food expert @trinicookingwithnatasha.
With over 100K followers on YouTube, Ria is quite the expert when it comes to making roti. Her dhal puri, sada roti and paratha roti tutorials have over 1M views! However, her expertise does not stop there. Of the 180 YouTube tutorials, her recipes vary from curry to other Trinidadian favorites like macaroni pie and pigtail soup. Just scrolling through her YouTube page makes your mouth water. From doubles to classic Trinidad bakes like pound cake and sweet bread, she provides precision and anecdotal commentary while guiding you through the familiarity of home food. Check out Ria’s page at @cookingwithria.
Known as Chef Devan, Devan Rajkumar embraces his Guyanese Canadian heritage by creating recipes combining flavors of both the East and West Indies. His love of food has allowed him to expand his role to judge in a popular Canadian cooking show: Food Network Canada’s Fire Masters. His cooking often blends the flavors of multiple cultures but also creates the classic recipes of his motherland. With a multitude of interests, Chef Dev uses his social media platform to connect with followers by sharing various aspects of his life that go beyond cooking. His most recent YouTube video provides a trailer for an upcoming video “Tastes Guyana” which shows him exploring Guyana from the inside, specifically deep parts of the inner country. To learn more about Chef Devan follow @chefdevan.
Reshmi is the chef behind the growing blog, Taste of Trinbago. A Trinidadian native who now resides in Texas, she uses her love of food and Trinidadian culture to share hacks, tips and easy recipes with West Indians throughout the globe. She finds a way to simplify traditional West Indian meals, that we once watched our elders make with curiosity. From holiday specialties like black cake to Diwali delicacies, Reshmi has brought vegetarian and non-veg recipes to followers in an extremely accessible way. She even posts recipe cards on her IG highlights for followers who may need written instructions. Her IG profile is a mix of various West Indian foods while also sharing bits of her life and even her secrets to baby food. Follow her @tasteoftrinbago.
These are just five Indo Caribbean food bloggers sharing their secrets to easy cooking. The once very daunting recipes and food instructions our parents gave have been simplified by most of these bloggers through video, voice over and modernized recipes. We no longer have to estimate a “dash, pinch or tuk” of any masala. We are just days away from Christmas and this is the perfect time to find the best-suited recipe to make that paratha for Santa.
[Who’s seen this in their closet before? Don’t you think it’s time to declutter?]
[A user-friendly, and simple, mobile platform to help through all your buying, selling, and renting needs.]
[Follow your favorite fashionistas on the app to make sure you don’t miss any of their offers!]
[Plenty of talent and services available for you on Ethnic Thread.]
[There’s more than just clothing available on the app—how about some jewellery to go with that outfit? Or what about a purse? Ladies, you’re even able to sell paintings on this platform, so you’re not just limited to articles of clothing!]
Ethnic Thread is a mobile app available to South Asian women around the world. Women can use this app to rent, buy, and exchange their clothing items and fashion accessories in efforts to help declutter their closets and give another life to an outfit. Download the app here, and start exchanging your personal style.
