What does it take to build a fashion brand that challenges the fast-paced fashion system while reimagining the value of what we discard? For Ritwik Khanna, founder of Rkive City, the answer lies in treating post-consumer textile waste not as refuse, but as raw material for storytelling, innovation and design.

In this episode, Ritwik walks us through his journey from growing up in a textile family in Amritsar to studying at FIT in New York, and how time spent working in Gujarat’s wastehouses led to the founding of Rkive City. More than just a fashion label, Rkive City functions as a research and design house committed to circular systems, responsible production and garments that carry meaning.

With thoughtful collaborations such as the Princess Diya Kumari Foundation and Karthik Research, and recent milestones like Milan Fashion Week, Rkive City offers a model for how India can lead the global shift toward a more intentional and regenerative fashion industry.

What We Discuss:

• 03:45 Where do you envision Rkive City?
• 04:50 On collaborating with PDKF and Kartik Research
• 10:20 On working with denim
• 22:17 The over burden on supply chain
• 23:52 Navigating growth while maintaining a zero waste model
• 27:37 Remanufacturing as a future for India
• 30:11 Industry support for young designers
• 35:47 Rkive City's collection at the Lakme Fashion Show

For feedback and suggestions, reach out to us at podcast@blurtheborder.com 

As always, thank you for tuning in!