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Vishal Khairnar
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Duja’s ‘The Hot Second’ Reimagines Upcycling With Bold 90s Vibes
Indian designer Ustat Kharbanda’s label Duja is rewriting the rules of sustainable fashion with its new 90s-inspired upcycled collection, The Hot Second. Known for giving forgotten fabrics and discarded garments a new identity, Duja proves that eco-conscious design can be just as bold, fresh, and aspirational as mainstream fashion.
Second Chances, First Impressions
The Hot Second breathes life into surplus denim, jerseys, ribbed knits, scrap leather, and vintage fabrics, transforming them into oversized tailoring, cropped tanks, raw cargo shorts, and deconstructed seams. Denim-on-denim makes a big comeback, elevated with subtle Indian handcraft techniques that add uniqueness and texture to each piece.
“The collection is about second chances — not just for fabric, but for design thinking,” says Kharbanda. “A faded wash or rough edge isn’t a flaw; it’s character. We show that fashion doesn’t need to start from scratch to feel new.”
The Design Challenge
Unlike conventional production, Duja doesn’t rely on uniform fabric rolls. Instead, the brand works with scraps, off-cuts, and pre-used garments, making every piece a one-of-a-kind challenge. “Each piece demands its own solution, and that problem-solving is where our design language comes from,” Kharbanda explains.
Myths Busted: Upcycling Can Be Aspirational
One of the biggest myths, Kharbanda points out, is that upcycled clothing is ‘second-hand.’ In truth, upcycling involves deconstruction, reconstruction, and intricate craftsmanship, often taking longer than traditional production.
Another myth? That upcycled fashion lacks aspiration. The Hot Second debunks that by presenting bold, contemporary silhouettes with strong visual impact, proving that sustainability and style can walk hand-in-hand.
With this collection, Duja isn’t just recycling fabrics — it’s reshaping perceptions of what sustainable fashion can look like.
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