OYA Studio

PRODUCTION LOCATIONS 

• Goa, India

WORKING CONDITIONS & LIVING WAGES

OYA Studio produces its kimonos exclusively in India, in collaboration with a small family business and two dyers.

India has a long tradition of silk craftsmanship and natural dyeing with plant-based colours. However, the country’s fashion industry carries an increased risk of insecure wages and problematic working conditions. Through direct communication with the family business, OYA Studio gains better insight into the production conditions.

The founder has personally visited the production site to assess the working conditions and craftsmanship. Close collaboration with the small family business ensures more transparent processes and allows OYA Studio to monitor ethical standards in production directly.

Each kimono is crafted by hand and in small batches, ensuring the highest level of quality and attention to detail.

MATERIALS 

• Recycled Silk 

OYA Studio uses exclusively recycled silk, sourced from donated or purchased vintage saris.
The brand does not specify any official certifications for the recycled silk or the dyeing process. Since the saris are donated or sold, the original production methods cannot always be traced.

Each kimono is one of a kind, as the saris feature unique patterns and colours.

PACKAGING 

OYA Studio follows a zero-waste approach, using packaging that doubles as a bag, reducing unnecessary waste.

Within the supply chain, the kimonos are packed in their fabric bags and shipped in large cartons, minimising excess packaging.

WATER USAGE & CHEMICALS 

The use of existing saris reduces waste and the demand for new raw material production. Compared to newly produced silk, which requires water- and resource-intensive sericulture, upcycling is a more resource-efficient approach.

The fabrics are dyed with vegetable-based colours, avoiding the environmental impact associated with chemical dyes.

CIRCULAR PRODUCT DESIGN 

OYA Studio is committed to upcycling, using exclusively recycled silk from vintage saris. This significantly reduces waste and gives high-quality fabrics a second life.
With upcycled products, the exact material composition cannot always be fully traced. There is a potential risk that some vintage fabrics may contain blended fibres, which could make recycling more challenging.

The brand collaborates with a local tailor to offer repair services. Leftover materials from production are repurposed into bags or belts, ensuring minimal waste.

Through a zero-waste approach, OYA Studio promotes a more conscious and long-lasting approach to fashion.

CIRCULAR BUSINESS MODELS 

OYA Studio collaborates with a tailor shop that supports the brand with repairs.

Following a zero-waste approach, leftover materials from production are repurposed into bags or belts, ensuring minimal waste.

DISTANCE & COMPLEXITY OF THE SUPPLY CHAIN 

• Goa, India 
• OYA Studio is based in Düsseldorf, Germany.

TRANSPORTATION 

• The finished kimonos are shipped from India to Germany by sea.
• OYA Studio uses DHL GoGreen for deliveries.

• Recycled Silk
• Origin: The saris come from India and are either donated or purchased.

As the saris are upcycled, OYA Studio has no insight into certifications or whether specific ethical guidelines for silk were followed. It is also not possible to determine whether the original silk was sourced from mulesing-free production.

PRODUCT DESIGN 

OYA Studio creates luxurious kimonos from recycled sari silk, inspired by Japanese design and spiritual symbolism. Each kimono is one of a kind, as the upcycled saris feature unique colours and patterns.

All kimonos are currently available in one size.

SLOW FASHION PROCESSES

OYA Studio maintains a continuous collection, gradually adding new kimonos over time. Instead of seasonal collections, the brand expands its range with new colours on an ongoing basis.

TRANSPARENCY ON PRODUCT 

OYA Studio provides detailed information on its product pages regarding the materials used, the uniqueness of each kimono, as well as design elements and sizing details. Each piece is described as a one-of-a-kind creation, made from 100% recycled sari silk. The brand also highlights that the kimonos are hand-dyed with plant-based colours and incorporate Japanese design elements.

Every kimono tells its own story and gains a second life through the upcycling process.

TRANSPARENCY ON PROCESSES

OYA Studio shares general information about its production processes and suppliers but does not provide detailed insights into individual production steps or the exact origin of the materials.

The brand states that the kimonos are produced in India by a small family business. It also emphasises its upcycling approach and the use of plant-based dyes.

While OYA Studio discloses that production takes place in India and describes the craftsmanship involved, customers do not receive comprehensive insights into the full supply chain of each individual kimono.