Have you ever imagined that you could make garments without any machine, tools or stitch technique and just use buttons and rubber bands? Well, designer Anuj Sharma could and has come up with a unique method called Button Masala and launched his label Button Masala. 

In a chat with DTNext, the designer opens up about his novel technique and how this would add to sustainable fashion movement. 

“I wanted to do things faster and save time. The idea came to me when I saw a man wearing a shirt with the buttons in the wrong loops. This made me thinking; what if I could combine a bunch of buttons and could create a beautiful garment. 

Later, I added rubber bands and started inserting buttons inside the fabric. Basically, it is a simple joinery concept (based on a simple grid system) which replaces sewing from the clothing or home furnishing. It is pretty much like tie and dye technique but done with rubber bands,” he says. 

Anuj Sharma will be organising a workshop in the city this weekend where he will teach Chennaiites how to create their own garments using the Button Masala technique. “I started organising workshops across the country with the aim to teach the technique to as many people as I could. 

In order to do this, I stopped participating in fashion weeks and am completely focussed on teaching people this quick construction method. I’ve travelled to almost all the major cities across the country and spoke to them about the benefits of Button Masala technique,” says Anuj. 

Using the same technique, Button Masala also makes carpets, bags, jewellery, shoes and many other useful products. It’s, possibly, the cheapest method in the world and the greenest for the environment. 

“Each product can be recycled and restructured by simply removing the buttons and putting them in another place without damaging the fabric. The fabrics can be used multiple times — it is possible to make different designs with one piece of fabric. Since the production involves no machine or tool, this can be considered as one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable ways of making clothes. Also, there is hardly any wastage. With the minimalist design trend, I want more people to practice this technique. It’s economical too,” says the designer. 

What is even more interesting is that everyone can use the technique. “Not just designers, everyone out there is capable of creative thought. This technique makes people believe in their ability to create something unique. You just need to have some design sensibilities,” Anuj smiles. 

For more details about Button Masala work shop, contact 9962135717