Beyond the Glitz: Redefining “Responsible Luxury” This Holiday Season

If you walked through any mall or hotel lobby this past December, you likely saw the same thing: a sea of shiny plastic, glitzy silver baubles, and faux trees that felt… flimsy. In the world of "fast decor," most of these decorations are destined for a landfill by the first week of January.

But at Diya Innovations, we believe that celebration shouldn’t come at the cost of the planet.

This year, we were given a unique challenge by ITC Gardenia, Bangalore. Their theme was "Responsible Luxury." They didn’t want a tree made of PVC; they wanted a masterpiece made of soul.

The Anatomy of a Sustainable Tree

Our production studio in Bangalore went to work with guidance from our design mentor Artist of Change, Rahool Saksena. Instead of plastic, we used the earth. We handcrafted a grand Christmas tree using:

Jute Cord: Forming the textured, organic bulk of the tree.
Nature’s Elements: Twigs, sliced branches, and pine wood for the ornaments.
The Signature Touch: Delicate Gardenia flowers made from white satin, dotting the tree as a nod to our host’s namesake.

Every inch was handcrafted by our inclusive team. For our artisans—individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities—this wasn't just a decoration. it was a high-stakes project for one of the city’s most prestigious hotels. It required precision, patience, and a commitment to quality that no factory machine could replicate.

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A wreath made out of jute material

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Our tailor Lakshmi at work

The Story Doesn’t End on January 4th

In most places, January 4th is "Disposal Day." For us, it was "Transformation Day."

As we dismantled the tree at ITC Gardenia, the work was only half-finished. True sustainability isn't just about using natural materials; it’s about circularity.

We didn’t pack the jute cord into boxes to sit in a basement. We brought it back to our studio. Today, our team is busy turning that same jute cord into:

Handcrafted Keychains
Bag Charms
Unique Jewelry pieces

Nothing is thrown away. Nothing is wasted. The cord that greeted guests in a luxury lobby in December will soon be a keychain in someone’s pocket or a charm on a handbag. This is what we mean when we talk about a "viable business." We aren't just making "socially conscious" products—we are creating a circular economy that provides continuous, meaningful work for our team.

This is quiet luxury with a conscience. This is the Diya way.