NRI PULSE STAFF REPORT
The humble Basmati rice sack has transcended its utilitarian origins to become the centerpiece of high-end couture and viral street style. Leading this avant-garde movement is California-based designer Candice Held, whose Franco Basmati Rice Bag Sport Coat has captivated fashion enthusiasts and sustainability advocates alike.
Candice Held’s Franco Sport Coat is a testament to innovative design and environmental consciousness. Crafted from authentic Basmati rice bags, each jacket is a unique piece, featuring a single-breasted silhouette adorned with gold-tone buttons and lined with luxurious silk or cotton. Retailing at $1,950 (approximately ₹1.62 lakh), the coat exemplifies how everyday materials can be reimagined into luxury fashion.
This trend is part of a broader movement where designers are drawing inspiration from utilitarian Indian items, transforming them into high-fashion articles showcased on international runways and in Western malls.
Parallel to the runway revolution, a grassroots fashion statement emerged when a U.S. woman was spotted in a salon carrying a tote bag repurposed from a Basmati rice sack. The video, shared by Instagram user Amanda John Mangalathil, quickly went viral, amassing over 800,000 views.
Social media users were both amused and inspired. One commenter quipped, “Who needs Gucci when you have Basmati?” while another noted, “Finally, an Indian export that’s sweeping the fashion world!”
These tote bags, often sold for around $15, have become emblematic of a shift towards sustainable and creative fashion choices.
The transformation of Basmati rice sacks into fashion items reflects a convergence of sustainability, cultural appreciation, and innovative design. By repurposing these everyday objects, designers and consumers alike are challenging traditional notions of luxury and highlighting the beauty found in the mundane.
Cover photo courtesy: Candice Held, Instagram
