Designer Vino Supraja, recognized for bringing Therukoothu on the global stage, has been honored as a Global Sustainable Fashion Trailblazer at the British Parliament. Vino Supraja, affectionately known as the People’s Designer, is well known for collaborating with Bavani Jamakkalam weavers and showing her Purisai Therukoothu collection at London Fashion Week 2023. This honor was presented to her in the House of Commons of the British Parliament.
Her outstanding contributions to ethical fashion, artisan empowerment, and cultural storytelling through design were recognized during the occasion. The prize was jointly presented by the UK Government and the World Tamil Organization.
Vino Supraja gave a keynote speech about how she went from living in the little Indian town of Vandavasi to becoming a global spokesperson for sustainable fashion. She attributed her dedication to ethical and responsible fashion to her father, Dr. Audikesavalu, whose hard work as a village doctor served as an inspiration.
The fashion designer, who accepted the award, used the occasion to urge more robust government regulations to make fashion companies responsible for fair labor standards and ethical sourcing, highlighting the need for sustainability to be more than just a fad. She reminded customers that every purchase they make has an impact and advised them to be careful about their fashion choices.
