hiHandmade - New South Wales

Introducing HiHandmade, where sustainability meets style. Founded by Sidhi, a first-generation immigrant blending her childhood memories of artisanal craftsmanship in, India with free-spirited Australian lifestyle.

HiHandmade is striving for sustainability with style. HiHandmade is dedicated to championing natural fabrics and traditional techniques to create timeless designs that empower artisans and promote conscious consumption. From using hand-block prints on 100% cotton dresses to patching textile scarps for up-cycled cotton bags, handmade celebrates fashion that cares for both people and the planet.

Our brand stands on 4 pillars:

1. Our Product – Natural We proudly use 100% Indian cotton, a material that is not only renowned for its breathability and durability but also deeply rooted in cultural heritage and plays a major role in sustaining the livelihood of over 40 million people. From fibre to finished product, we use natural materials and plastic-free packaging.

2. Our People - Artisans For over three centuries, our artisans have woven their magic into every thread, meticulously printing lengths of cotton fabric using hand-carved blocks. This ancient craft has been passed down through generations, each artisan inheriting the skills and secrets of their forebears.

3. Our Processes – Ethical In a world that often prizes speed and mass production, our products stand as a testament to the art of slow living. Each piece is a labour of love and art. We shun the impersonal grip of large factories and embrace the warmth and authenticity of our skilled crafts people.

4. Our Purpose- Sustainability Our purpose is to provide a sustainable alternative, a sanctuary for those who crave garments that transcend trends and embrace the enduring beauty of timeless designs. We champion eco-friendly techniques that consume less water, and energy and leave a low carbon footprint.

I believe people who have worked in the fashion industry should take responsibility and use their skills to be a part of a solution rather than create further problems with fashion. I left my well-paying corporate job as head of Planning for a 200-Million brand to work full-time on hiHandmade. I haven’t drawn a single penny from the business yet but paid handcraft artisans over 50k AUD, which was the most enriching part of this journey.