Sujitha Shivajothi, the Sri Lankan-Canadian designer behind Vancouver-based label Shivajothi, is rewriting the rules of fall dressing with a genderless outerwear collection that merges South Asian influences with sharp tailoring and fluid silhouettes. Each handmade piece balances architectural precision with artisanal craftsmanship, designed to function as both statement fashion and enduring wardrobe staples.
Highlights include the 'Cropped Pixelated Cameo Coat,' crafted with 95% hand-sewn seams; the 'Wool Multiple Button Placket Trench,' designed for versatility with adjustable closures; and bold reinterpretations of classics like moto jackets, trenches, and crisscross vests. Shivajothi’s approach emphasizes slow fashion -- using quality fabrics, directional design, and a deliberate rejection of fast fashion trends.
By centering identity and self-expression in outerwear, Shivajothi positions itself within the growing demand for genderless fashion and slow fashion alternatives. The brand’s focus on craftsmanship and cultural influence differentiates it in a market dominated by mass-produced outerwear, appealing to luxury consumers who seek originality, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Image Credit: Shivajothi
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Genderless Fashion Revolution
- Empowering consumers through expressive, non-binary clothing options, genderless fashion is reshaping retail by challenging traditional gender norms.
- Slow Fashion Movement
- Harnessing local craftsmanship and rejecting mass production, the slow fashion movement provides an antidote to the environmental and ethical concerns of fast fashion.
- Cultural Fusion in Design
- Blending South Asian influences with modern tailoring, this trend draws on cultural heritage to create unique, cross-cultural fashion statements.
Where This Applies
- Luxury Fashion
- Luxury fashion is redefining exclusivity through personalized, hand-crafted garments that prioritize quality over conformity.
- Sustainable Textiles
- Spearheaded by eco-conscious consumers, the sustainable textiles industry is booming as it embraces organic and biodegradable materials for environmentally-friendly fashion.
- Retail Innovation
- Retail innovation is being driven by brands that integrate identity-based designs to meet rising demands for diversity and inclusivity in fashion products.
