Terra Tribe

Sustainable fashion brand Terra Tribe is taking steps to minimise the fashion industry's carbon footprint and implement ethical practices too –without compromising on style. The core team uses natural fabrics and 100 per cent locally manufactured tencel (a fibre made from wood pulp) to make their collections. The brand owned by Charmee Ambavat is acclaimed for using only responsibly sourced fibres and plant-based dyes to make vegan clothing that is free of animal cruelty and PETA-certified.

As a student Charmee Ambavat travelled to the North East and collaborated with local weavers and dyers- as part of an academic project. The collection they made was hand woven, naturally dyed and low waste, which deeply inspired her and she made the conscious decision to work and live in a more mindful way. 

This led her to create her sustainable fashion brand Terra Tribe - a manifestation of living a more sustainable life. Per Journey Of Objects: "From switching to fashion from finance, creating art-inspired designs and embracing environmentalism Charmee Ambavat's story is an eclectic mix of ideologies. She launched her brand Terra Tribe in 2020. Think of the term 'terra' and you immediately imagine warm, earthy tones... That is exactly what the brand embodies. It is a celebration of disregarded colours, sustainability and all things earthy."

Charmee's vision as a brand is to build a community of earth conscious people and together work towards building a carbon neutral future. Terra Tribe designs contemporary apparel and accessories for people who are mindful of their impact on earth. The brand advocates slow fashion and upholds the core values of transparency, low carbon footprint, high quality and circular economy. 

"Our design philosophy revolves around minimalism, focusing on crafting elevated everyday collections with a conscious approach. My primary inspiration stems from my slow travels around the world" Charmee Ambavat tells Indulge Express. "We are eager to introduce our brand to a global audience, particularly as we are gaining organic traction internationally. We would also love to push our sustainable endeavors to becoming a fully carbon neutral brand."

The sustainable fashion- led brand uses 100 per cent locally manufactured Tencel  made from responsibly sourced wood pulp using minimal non-renewable resources. 65 per cent of the energy requirements of the fabric partner comes from renewable sources through their own windmills. The water footprint for this fabric is only 5 per cent compared to traditional cotton. 

Plant-based dyes from Indian madder vines, natural indigo, iron vinegar and leaves are used in all collections. Circular systems ensures that solid waste generated is composted and the wastewater is treated before it enters the natural water stream and air pollution is kept in place with an air purification system. What's more every piece of is made consciously by partnering with ethical factories keeping quality, fair wages and conscious use of resources in mind.

The fashion brand does not use any animal-based matter like fur, leather, wool or silk in the production process.  Additionally, the brand also utilises recycled metal as trims whenever possible to avoid using any new metal.

Terra Tribe is paving the way for a more ethical and sustainable fashion industry by handcrafting apparel and accessories using tencel which comes from the wood pulp of the eucalyptus tree and handwoven hemp which comes from the hemp plant. The team then moves on to natural dyes where the waste generated from the process is dealt with responsibly by their dye partner. Additionally the eco-conscious brand utilises recycled metal as trims whenever possible to avoid using any new metal.

A deep passion for design led Charmee Ambavat into changing her profession from an auditor to a fashion designer and building a carbon negative sustainable fashion brand. Her long term goal is to contribute to the global fashion industry- and do good for people and planet- in terms of a more sustainable eco-conscious ecosystem. 

The Terra Tribe retails timeless, minimal and stylish daily- wear apparel inspired by women across the world and made ethically using only vegan material and hand- dyed. At The Terra Tribe the core team designs contemporary clothing- particularly indigenous-inspired organic cotton garments for people who are mindful of their impact on the earth. As a brand, they believe in transparency, good working conditions, least carbon footprint, fine quality and a circular ecosystem.. embracing slow fashion at every step.