A Cup of Fashion: From Versace to Varanasi, India

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to create your own fashion line?

Zhena has a cup of chai with Uschi of the celebrated Lucky Uschi brand of yoga and lounge clothing.  Uschi's path has been infused with ecclectic spiritual traditions since her birth. From early years traveling Europe with her parents, and her eventual migration west to Ojai, California, She was educated within the teachings of philosopher J.Krishnamurti, and the Theosophical tradition.

After a 7 year stint with a high fashion company, Uschi returned to Ojai. Finding a Yoga Home in the fertile soil of Lulu Bandha's Yoga studio, and with her dear friend Kira Ryder, Uschi found a community which encouraged her to believe in her dreams.

Indias land finally opened to her in the Winter of 2007, and during her first visit, it became clear she had found a home, and a new intention in her life.

Returning to India in the summer of 2008, she began to work with women in Varanasis outlying villages, contributing to a budding womens empowerment project in hopes of developing a production center and headquarters for a fair-trade clothing line, and more.

The intention of Uschis work is to empower women through recognizing their inherent talents, and grow both monetary and emotional support for them and their families.

Currently based in India working with the womens collectives, Uschi returns to Ojai twice a year to rejoin her community at Lulus, and continue to spread the word about her work.