Robbinsville High School Sophomore Seamlessly Fuses Sustainability and Style in Personal Clothing Line

Robbinsville, NJ – Megana Madhurakavi, a sophomore at Robbinsville High School, has combined her passion for fashion and sustainability to create LIILA, an eco-chic, non-profit clothing line. At just 15 years old, Megana envisions a world where fashion becomes a force for good, encouraging consumers to make conscious choices without sacrificing style.

Sustainability is at the core of LIILA’s brand. Megana explained that the clothing is produced using ethical procedures and upcycled fabric, with a focus on minimizing waste. The manufacturing facilities employ energy-saving measures to reduce their environmental impact. A unique aspect of LIILA’s approach is their use of upcycled fabric, repurposing material that would otherwise end up in landfills. By recycling and incorporating this fabric into their collections, LIILA creates a sustainable cycle that helps protect the environment.

The launch of LIILA took place just before the start of the new school year. Megana’s journey began when she was 13 years old and became aware of the negative effects of fast fashion. Inspired to make a positive change, she immersed herself in the sustainable fashion community through social media. Her dedication led her to attend a social impact investment and sustainability conference in April 2022, where she had the opportunity to work with the United Nations.

During the conference, Megana participated in a youth competition focused on creating ideas that align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Her idea resonated with the judges, and she was awarded the title of “Global Youth Ambassador of SDG and Carbon Neutrality.” This recognition opened doors to various opportunities and connections that have helped shape LIILA into what it is today.

Megana’s journey involved extensive research and collaboration with founders of other sustainable brands. She learned about the industry, clothing production, and the art of upcycling fabric. Motivated to take action, she founded LIILA, drawing inspiration from the Sanskrit language, which holds significance in her Indian culture. The name LIILA represents the brand’s aim to embody divine creation and beauty with vibrant and colorful designs.

The debut collection of LIILA features five handcrafted dresses, all designed by Megana herself. To ensure the clothing resonates with the target audience, Megana sought opinions from friends and incorporated their feedback into the designs. The selected manufacturer shares the same passion for sustainability and employs workers from villages to create the garments. LIILA aims to make sustainable fashion accessible to a wider audience, with dresses priced between $50 and $57 online.

The response to LIILA has been overwhelmingly positive, with brands and customers expressing their admiration for Megana’s work. While there have been challenges along the way, Megana finds joy in creating content and reaching out to her brand’s community. She cherishes the moments when customers share photos of themselves wearing LIILA’s clothing, realizing that her efforts are making a difference.

Looking ahead, Megana plans to pursue a college major that combines sustainability and business. She believes that understanding marketing techniques and business growth is essential to maintaining a successful brand. However, she remains committed to preserving LIILA’s core values, ensuring that profit never compromises sustainability. As LIILA continues to grow, Megana envisions the brand becoming a leading force for positive change in the fashion industry. She hopes to inspire others to create not just a brand, but a community centered around conscious consumerism and appreciation for sustainable clothing.

Wearing one of her own eco-chic designs, the Cream Floral Bell Sleeve Mini Dress, Megana Madhurakavi has embarked on an extraordinary journey as the founder and visionary behind LIILA. Through her passion for fashion and commitment to sustainability, she is making a remarkable impact and striving to create a community that values both style and environmental consciousness.