From India’s freedom movement that was led by hand-spun khadi garments to Sabyasachi Mukherjee, khadi hasn’t just empowered India’s freedom struggle, but many generations after that.
Veteran fashion designer Ritu Kumar says, “Khadi is humble because of the very reasons that it is also very elitist in the world of international and Indian fashion. It is India’s bedrock fabric because the yarn itself is hand-spun and then handwoven on handlooms. Both processes are extinct. It is non-violent in its procurement as well as in its execution and that makes it a very ecologically safe fabric.”
Other than being environment-friendly, khadi is now available in cooler iterations, with designers giving a contemporary twist to a fabric that was once considered coarse, dowdy and almost unwearable.
Here’s how you can sport it...
SHINE IN A SIMPLE KHADI SKIRT
Reinvent the freedom yarn by layering your khadi skirt with a panelled coat
STYLE IT WITH:
“Wonderful layers. Khadi may not have the drape of a synthetic tulle, for instance, but it can be cut into panels, kalis and even coats. The fabric itself is sensational in the crystal clear minimalistic look that it gives,” says fashion designer Ritu Kumar.
ACCESSORISE WITH:
“Very organic, simple accessories like handmade silver jewellery, corals and natural stones. Avoid wearing regular jewellery like kundan,” suggests Ritu.
KEEP IN MIND:
This story is from the November 24, 2019 edition of Brunch.
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This story is from the November 24, 2019 edition of Brunch.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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