The Role of Indigenous Himalayan Crafts in Contemporary Circular Fashion: Opportunities and Challenges
The fashion industry is currently shifting from a linear "take-make-waste" model to a restorative circular economy, and although the techno-centric recycling approach to industrial circularity has been the subject of much discussion, indigenous craft systems provide a previously unexplored, time-tested example of a locally applicable, low-impact, and emotionally durable product lifecycle. This review paper systematically examines the potential application of vernacular woodwork (Likhai) and ceremonial folk arts (Barboond) from the Kumaon region of India to the core principles of modern circular fashion, including the material ecologies, geometric design languages, and decentralized supply chains, identifying opportunities for sustainable product-service systems while addressing the systemic challenges of scalability bottlenecks, structural fragmentation, and the preservation of cultural authenticity during digital transformation. Simultaneously, it tackles systemic issues such as structural fragmentation, scalability bottlenecks, and maintaining cultural authenticity during digital transformation. In order to promote cultural and ecological longevity, this study ultimately suggests a comprehensive "Himalayan Circular Design Matrix," which connects traditional knowledge with CAD-driven modern clothing systems.