Tamanna Mullen's Arth Atelier: A Journey to Intentional Fashion

Tamanna Mullen, the creative force behind Arth Atelier, is set on redefining the fashion landscape with her unique approach to garment creation. Starting her journey at the tender age of 13 when she designed her first dress, Mullen initially took a detour into the world of business after moving from Punjab, India, to the United States 16 years ago. This choice stemmed from the cultural expectations placed on her as a South Asian woman to pursue a more traditional and serious career path.

Despite the pressure, Mullen's passion for fashion never waned. "Punjab is the hub of textiles and agriculture, and my family were tier-four vendors," she explains. Growing up surrounded by textiles and garments fostered her curiosity, eventually leading her to corporate fashion roles with major brands like Savage x Fenty and New Balance, where she honed her skills in production strategy and garment construction.

After six years in the industry, Mullen decided to embark on a new journey, aiming to create a fashion label grounded in traceability and ethical practices. The name of her brand, Arth Atelier, reflects her mission; "Arth means ‘significance’ or ‘purpose’ in Sanskrit, while atelier refers to a creative space," she notes. This philosophy drives her commitment to producing timeless, meaningful pieces.

Before launching Arth Atelier in 2024, Mullen dedicated two years to building relationships with traceable artisans, farmers, and other partners. She emphasized the importance of creating a sustainable ecosystem, collaborating with regenerative farms in Italy and exploring local sourcing in India. Mullen’s commitment to transparency is evident in her garments, each accompanied by a hang tag featuring a QR code that reveals its entire production journey.

She believes in acknowledging the skilled hands behind each piece, challenging the common narrative that often omits the contributions of artisans in favor of more glamorous labels. Mullen aims to educate consumers about the intricate processes involved in creating high-quality garments, hoping to cultivate a deeper respect for the craft.

While she acknowledges the challenges of achieving 100% traceability due to supply-chain complexities, Mullen prioritizes working with suppliers who operate transparently. By creating custom fabrics, she narrows her sourcing options, allowing for greater control over the materials used. "I only have one wool supplier that I work with," she shares, emphasizing her focus on quality and sustainability.

The meticulous selection of materials comes with higher costs and minimum order quantities, but Mullen sees this as an opportunity to innovate and create versatile designs. Her approach is gender-agnostic, blurring traditional lines in clothing design. Each piece is crafted with a focus on tailoring, appealing to a diverse range of identities.

To bring her designs to life, Mullen collaborates with skilled Indian artisans known as kaarigars, who often come from multi-generational backgrounds steeped in traditional embroidery techniques. By engaging these artisans and incorporating their skills into her collections, Mullen honors their craftsmanship while promoting contemporary takes on traditional practices.

Her latest collection, "Anchored in Motion," reflects a fluid identity shaped by diverse cultural experiences, targeting a global audience conscious of the impact of their consumption. Following a recent showcase at Paris Fashion Week, Arth Atelier is poised to make waves in the fashion industry with its commitment to ethical, intentional fashion.

Source: fashionista.com