FOUNDED IN 2018

We started Tega Collective to amplify the culture and knowledge of Adivasi peoples across India and preserve the time-honored traditions of each community

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Always Inspired

We are continuously inspired by the Adivasi community’s way of life and their incorporation of native fibers, plant dyes, handcraftsmanship and artistic expression. Our first 2 collections were co-created with our Lambani artisans and feature natural handwoven fabrics, intricate Lambani hand-embroidery passed down for centuries, and cowrie shells. Check out our product descriptions to see what specific plant dyes and hand embroidery are used for each piece.  

OUR GUARANTEE

Dedication to Craft

With each collection our designs are co-created with a specific Adivasi community highlighting their traditional colors, patterns and natural symbols. All our pieces embrace and amplify everyone on the gender and size spectrums. Our first 2 collection were created in collaboration with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra, an NGO focused on supporting Lambani craft. Each piece in the collection is made with natural handwoven fabrics and features Lambani hand-embroidery that represent various elements of nature. Learn more about our fabrics, dyes, and processes used on our Sustainability page.

How we give back

Community Resilience

We strive to build healing and enriching relationships with the communities and ecosystems that support us.  

Our wealth distribution model funnels 15% of our profits back to the communities we work with for each collection to remove the traditional hierarchy of power and profit.

3% of profits will be donated to organizations supporting Adivasi community regeneration and land back initiatives.

WHAT WE BELIEVE IN

Honoring Our Earth

By using natural fibers and dyes, and producing only limited quantities we ensure that our products are as kind to the earth as they are beautiful. Learn more about our sustainability values here

Versatility

Each item is designed to be worn in multiple styles and can be dressed up or down.Our hope is that versatility and adjustability of our pieces will add a beautiful story to your closet that you will cherish for years to come.

Degrowth

We believe in rejecting the fast fashion business model and focusing on the circularity of our garments in the long run. We create pieces in limited quantities (12 for each style in our Samudram Collection) that our community can cherish for years, reducing waste and encouraging mindful consumption. 

Meet Our Founder

Niha Elety is sustainable fashion advocate and designer. She uses fashion, art and heritage to bring awareness about sustainability and its importance.

When joining the sustainability space full of advocates and leaders, Niha noticed that there weren't many discussions about culture and ancestral knowledge. Since then her goal has been to bring inclusivity and a variety of perspectives from BIPOC creators (the original sustainability leaders) to the environmental movement.

Today and forward she actively works to bring these conversations to the forefront as a speaker on cultural sustainability and founder of Tega Collective.

With unique artisan partners for capsule collections, where 18% of the profits are funneled back to the communities Tega works with for each collection to remove traditional hierarchy of power and profit.

Our Foundations

FASHION SUPPLY CHAINS ARE FAILING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

AN URGENT GLOBAL CONCERN

FASHION SUPPLY CHAINS ARE FAILING DUE TO CLIMATE CHANGE

AN URGENT GLOBAL CONCERN

Lack of design by their own

Adivasi (Indigenous Indian) communities have been exploited and appropriated by luxury fashion brands without acknowledgement or compensation.

'One size fits all' problem

Current solutions focus on finding the
“most” sustainable fiber. Bio-regional
restoration and indigenous wisdom are
often not thought of as fashion solutions

Size inclusive clothing

People are still purchasing fast fashion as sustainable brands lack size-ranges with high upfront costs, excess inventory and stretch achieved with fossil-fuel based textiles.