Virgio is a fashion brand started in 2022. It was founded by Amar Nagaram, the former CEO of Myntra. At first, Virgio was a fast-fashion brand, making new clothes quickly at an affordable price range. However, by late 2023, Virgio shifted its focus. It shifted from producing fast-fashion items to producing environmentally friendly clothing, or “circular fashion.
Why Virgio Said No to Fast Fashion
Fast fashion can be inexpensive and produced quickly. But it isn’t sustainable. Factories produce a lot of cloth waste and rely on toxic substances. Even the founder, Amar Nagaram, called it “no less than any devil.” He said they wanted something better. Virgio made the conscious choice to employ eco-friendly materials and focus on clothing that is recyclable or reusable.
Highlighting his bold vision, the founder said, “We want to make circular fashion the way of life in India because it is pro-planet and the only way fashion should be. In the last few months, we’ve deconstructed each aspect of what goes into making a garment to make it more circular, more conscious.”
What Circular Fashion Looks Like at Virgio
Virgio now uses fabrics that are good for the planet. They use recycled polyester and organic cotton to manufacture their clothes. They select clothing that is more durable and won’t go to trash easily. Their new clothes are priced a bit higher than fast fashion but cost 20–40% less than premium brands. They are more environmentally friendly but still reasonably priced.
“Think of Shein and what it could’ve become if it were a sustainable fashion brand, that’s what we are going to be,” Nagaram told Moneycontrol.
Growing with Green Values—and Recognition
Even though Virgio changed its motto, the brand still raised $37 million from investors like Prosus, Accel, and Alpha Wave. They had a large runway, so they didn’t require further funding to continue. By 2024, Virgio started opening physical stores in Delhi and Bengaluru. It also worked with brands like IIFA using sustainable designs.
In 2024, Virgio received the PETA India Vegan Fashion Company of the Year award. It also received recognition for its authentic circular fashion, demonstrating that responsibility and style can coexist.
“The company’s turnaround doesn’t require any further funding. The majority of the $37 million that Virgio raised last year is still in the company’s bank account and provides it with a three-year liquidity runway,” remarked Amar.
What This Means for Fashion’s Future
Virgio is showing us that fashion can change for the better. They teach that fashion need not be at the expense of the environment. Their transition from fast fashion to sustainability offers hope for change across the industry. “We want to make circular fashion the way of life in India because it is pro-planet,” said Amar Nagaram.
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