We're in a conundrum as a nation. We want everything now, but in 5 minutes time we change our minds and want something else again. Especially clothing, and in doing so, we're trivialising fashion, making something that should feel special, disposable and changing opinions around design, textiles and the cost of labour for generations ahead of us. All our clothing at Chapel Collection is made from hand-spun and hand-woven fabric, using ethical techniques by local Indian craftspeople to create designs that will last for years to come. We favour style over fashion and this is at the forefront of our minds in all of the decisions we make and the hand-crafted clothing we ultimately sell.

In our lives, as in fashion, it’s time to slow down, take a look at the bigger picture and stop chasing the future. The Indian people live in the most hectic country in the world in some of the poorest conditions, yet when we explore the country each year and talk to the people that make our clothing as well as their friends and family they are some of humblest, wisest people we have ever met. Not concentrating on what they desire or don’t have but focussing on the good in their lives and taking each day as it comes, whatever is thrown their way. Indian people are incredibly introspective and it’s no surprise that it’s the country in which yoga was created. To exist among the chaos, one must be able to find peace within it.

With this in mind we think the world needs to slow down. If you do too take a look below where we’ve listed a few links to articles that help teach us how.

1.     Watch Biochemist turned Buddhist monk Matthieu Ricard in an inspiring Ted Talk in which he says we can train our minds in habits of wellbeing, to generate a true sense of serenity and fulfilment: https://www.ted.com/talks/matthieu_ricard_the_habits_of_happiness?referrer=playlist-slow_down_enjoy_life

2.     Read The God of Small Things by Arundhati Roy. This book has nothing to do with slowing down but it’s beautifully written and globally acclaimed and we think everyone should give it a read. Plus, no one can hurry reading. Read a review of it here: https://alittleblogofbooks.com/2016/07/10/the-god-of-small-things-by-arundhati-roy/

3.     Follow this NY Times article and learn how to breath better: https://www.nytimes.com/2016/11/09/well/mind/breathe-exhale-repeat-the-benefits-of-controlled-breathing.html

4.     Be patient. You do not need everything right now and, as this articles says, waiting for things is actually proven to make us happier: https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/patience-tips_n_5843928

5.     Being in nature calms us and helps ground us, so spending more time outdoors is a no-brainer. Here are 7 ways to sneak more outdoors time into your day. https://www.bustle.com/articles/114893-how-to-spend-more-time-outside-in-7-sneaky-ways