World · North America · 1 day ago

Saskatoon designer reuses saris as U.S. tariffs squeeze her business

Saskatoon designer reuses saris as U.S. tariffs squeeze her business

Satya Muktinutalapati runs Rangeelaa, a fashion business in Saskatoon, Canada.

Originally from India, she makes skirts, dresses and accessories from used traditional saris.

She started the business about 10 years ago and began making its clothing from reused garments after moving to Saskatoon in 2019.

Muktinutalapati says her work has kept about 6,000 saris out of landfill.

She works with a team of 10 in India and describes the process as slow fashion, with workers making no more than two pieces a day.

But U.S. tariffs are hurting the business because 80 per cent of its customers live in the United States, and Muktinutalapati says customs fees have risen by 30 to 35 per cent.

She says loyal customers continue to support Rangeelaa, but did not describe any specific next steps.

What people are saying

We are paying tariffs up front and that is killing my margins, so this year I don’t think I made any money because of the tariffs
Satya MuktinutalapatiRangeelaa ownervia Global News
We make all our clothing with the repurposed sari fabrics
Satya MuktinutalapatiRangeelaa ownervia Global News
Our mission is not to waste any fabric
Satya MuktinutalapatiRangeelaa ownervia Global News
This is slow fashion, nothing happens quickly
Satya MuktinutalapatiRangeelaa ownervia Global News

Sources

Related news