Deep Dive: Sustainable and Small-Business Fashion with Nandini Kommana
Celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month 2025 with our calendar of live events, recommendations, and on-demand content!
Discover your newest binge and get to know our staff a little better with the Asia Society Texas team's favorite ways to stay entertained! Through our Deep Dive features, we take you on a journey into the interests of individual staff members for an in-depth look at an art form, genre, or pastime.
Meet Nandini
Nandini Kommana is the Development Associate at Asia Society Texas, where she channels her love for global affairs and arts and culture into creating meaningful connections. She moved to the U.S. at the age of 7, straddling the first-generation and second-generation Indian American experience. Her passion for empowering the Asian and Asian American community, as well as broader communities, has been shaped by her journey in an Indian immigrant family as well her pursuit of international affairs at UT Austin and George Washington University. In her free time, she enjoys bouldering at Momentum, floral arranging, painting, walking along Buffalo Bayou, and dancing at Soundbox Studios.
Why I'm focusing on sustainable, small-business fashion
Since I was a kid, I’ve loved expressing myself creatively — whether through visual arts, writing, or fashion. Recently, I’ve been diving more deeply into my passion for fashion, and it’s been a journey of finding the perfect balance between honoring my roots and being a responsible global citizen. That’s why I’m drawn to sustainable, small-business brands owned by Asian and Asian American entrepreneurs — brands with meaning, passion, and a mission behind them. They allow me to embrace style and sustainability while supporting businesses that truly make a difference.
What I'm currently enjoying
I absolutely love Dash and Dot, a true, sustainable, and accessible Indian brand that has beautiful, ready-to-wear silhouettes. Their designs keep functionality in mind with great Indo-Western wear, plus more unique styles with an incredible collaboration with Seema Gujral. From work to play to occasions, there is a mix of everything. I order online directly from the brand or from Kiska Studios, a U.S.-based shopping destination housing modern Indian brands.
What I find myself returning to again and again
I find myself consistently drawn to Palacosē, a design studio and brand by Tadaima that believes in developing objects to elevate gratitude. The name itself is a beautiful gesture — meaning “thank you for existing” — and this philosophy permeates every piece they create as they also embrace minimalism and exceptional craftsmanship with soft, durable fabrics. Located in the ASCH Building in the Heights, Tadaima has implemented a refreshing shopping model: every item priced at $40, offering a no-fuss, personalized experience.
Fashion experiences I'm looking forward to
Houston’s vintage and secondhand fashion scene is a treasure trove of creativity and sustainable style. Some of my favorites are Second Shop and La Tienda, two standout curators that are must-knows for anyone seeking unique pieces, including vintage and secondhand. Another must-know is The Houston Clothing Swap, a community event hosted by La Tienda, Diana Cwick, and Sam Lopez and which typically takes place in April.
Equally exciting is The Swap, a recurring event curated by Saba Shaikh and which has hosted swaps this past spring. While more dates are yet to be released, I encourage everyone to keep a look out for local, community organized clothing swaps for great steals. You’re building community, promoting sustainability, and giving pre-loved clothing a new narrative in fashionable style!
A fasion brand that that excites me
Designation is a standout sustainable fashion brand rooted in South Asian craftsmanship. Founded by Zahra Omarji, a third-culture kid, the brand deconstructs heritage through slow fashion. While I gravitate towards color, their monochromatic pieces are stunning — each design is a unique work of art with incredible structure and construction. I’ve followed their journey from a concept to a growing brand, so supporting them feels more intentional and meaningful. These designs are meant to be everlasting pieces in our wardrobes, feeding into the South Asian tradition of acquiring family heirlooms.
My wildcard recommendation
People Tree was a game-changer in sustainable fashion: founded by Safia Minney, they were the first global fashion brand certified by the World Fair Trade Association. Their pieces are simple, well-made, and genuinely thoughtful, focusing on quality over quantity. Instead of chasing trends, they create timeless basics that respect both workers and the environment.
About APAH Month at Asia Society Texas
Beginning in 2021, Asia Society Texas has celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month with the Houston community and beyond through a curated calendar of events for 31 ways to celebrate over the 31 days of May. Spotlighting the traditions, talents, and contributions of Asians and Asian Americans, the calendar highlights the month's key Asia Society programming, providing a platform to showcase local artists, performers, educators, and leaders who contribute to the vibrant, multicultural tapestry of Houston while also featuring staff recommendations for our favorite music, books, movies, and more by Asian and Asian American creatives.
At Asia Society Texas, APAH Month is an opportunity to celebrate and honor Asians and Asian Americans and to uplift their stories to a broader audience as part of our goal to inspire our larger community to better understand one another through culture, conversation, and connection. For information about sponsoring APAH Month and other projects like this one, please contact Saleena Jafry at [email protected] or 713.496.9939.
Presenting Sponsor of APAH Month at Asia Society Texas
Sponsors of APAH Month
Comcast
CITGO
APAH Month 2025 Calendar
Digital Calendar Interactive/Printable PDF
Past APAH Month Calendars
2024: Highlights | Details
2023: Highlights | Details
2022: Highlights | Details
2021: Details
About Asia Society Texas
Asia Society Texas believes in the strength and beauty of diverse perspectives and people. As an educational institution, we advance cultural exchange by celebrating the vibrant diversity of Asia, inspiring empathy, and fostering a better understanding of our interconnected world. Spanning the fields of arts, business, culture, education, and policy, our programming is rooted in the educational and cultural development of our community — trusting in the power of art, dialogue, and ideas to combat bias and build a more inclusive society.
