No. 5 (2025)
Essays

Kun.Be: A Servitisation Framework for the Sustainable Revival of Goa’s Kunbi Saree

Divya Agarwal
Politecnico Di Milano
Angelica Vandi
Politecnico Di Milano
Paola Bertola
Politecnico Di Milano

Published 30-06-2025

Keywords

  • Keywords: Kunbi Saree; Servitisation; Heritage Textile Revival; Cultural Resistance; Sustainable Fashion; Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs); Co-Creation

How to Cite

Agarwal, D., Vandi, A., & Bertola, P. (2025). Kun.Be: A Servitisation Framework for the Sustainable Revival of Goa’s Kunbi Saree. Fashion Highlight, (5), 74–86. https://doi.org/10.36253/fh-3631

Abstract

Abstract

The Kunbi saree, once an integral part of tribal Goan identity, is now threatened by colonial erasure and mass production. Despite its historical and cultural richness, attempts at revival have not yet reclaimed its importance. Located at the intersection of cultural protection and sustainable innovation, the study identifies systemic challenges and proposes service-driven strategies to re-establish the Kunbi saree into contemporary fashion economies. Services such as digital engagement, co-creation, and craft-based storytelling present a culturally located and economically viable model for the revival of Creative and Cultural Industries (CCIs), by restoring value through the service-led design approach. The project Kun.Be positions servitisation as a tool of cultural resistance and economic sustainability and proposes a replicable model for reviving endangered heritage crafts through service-driven engagement.

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