The Timeless Appeal of the Sikkim Jacket - Vol 1

Some silhouettes never go out of style—and the Sikkim Jacket is proof. A MarketPlace India classic since Fall 2006, this iconic piece has stood the test of time in both design and durability. Season after season, it's been a customer favorite, not just for its effortless elegance but because it transcends trends and fads. We've received photos from longtime fans proudly wearing their garments from over a decade ago—still in rotation, still very much loved. That's sustainability and slow fashion at its finest.

The story of the Sikkim Jacket began with a scarf. During a visit from our Ikat supplier while designing the Fall 2006 collection, a few scarves made their way into our Mumbai office. One in particular stopped us in our tracks. While we did sell scarves at the time, we couldn't stop imagining this one as something more. So, we did what MarketPlace does best—we got creative.

Known for our love of mixing fabrics and playing with texture, we transformed the scarf into a garment. The result? A relaxed, kimono-inspired silhouette that lets the fabric speak for itself. The scarf's decorative border was transformed into the striking lower front panel of the jacket, creating the signature contrast that defines the Sikkim Jacket to this day.

The kimono silhouette, like many traditional Eastern garments such as kurtas and salwars, are made from pieces cut in straight lines. This way of cutting uses almost all of the fabric, so there's very little waste --making it both beautiful and sustainable.

That unique detail—the unexpected pop of print or color at the front—is now the hallmark of the style. It's been reimagined in different fabrics and palettes over the years, but the spirit remains the same. It's one of those pieces that feels both current and classic, making its way back onto our best-seller list again and again including this spring, when it proudly graces the cover of our Spring 2025 catalog.

The Sikkim Jacket is more than just a wardrobe staple. It's a reminder that thoughtful design, craftsmanship, and sustainability never go out of fashion.

SHARE WITH THE ARTISANS:
• Do you have a MarketPlace garment that's been with you for years—and still brings you joy every time you wear it?
• When you think of "slow fashion," what values or memories come to mind?
• Do you remember your first MarketPlace India purchase? Is it still in your closet?
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