JOIN USSome like it soft, some like it sheen, some like it coarse and raw. We’re talking about ‘khadi’, the heritage fabric of the country which has gone through a series of transformations.
The fabric, which owes its importance to Mahatma Gandhi, has been changing according to the fashion needs of today. On the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation, Metrolife interacted with fashionistas to find out their thoughts about the journey of ‘khadi’.
City-based designer Namrata G says that ‘khadi’ is a heritage garment and it is in the hands of fashion designers to give it stylish twists. “‘Khadi’ is a versatile fabric which can be worked with in many silhouettes. It is important to promote the fabric as it upholds one’s own heritage while generating employment. One can experiment creatively with the fabric on outfits like evenings dresses, tops, shorts, pants and more,” she details.
Having worked on a series of evening gowns with ‘khadi’, Namrata says that it can be used with other fabrics. “My collection is done in turquoise, red and pink and is teamed with velvet, georgette and brocade for grand ensembles,” she adds.
Priyanka Haridas, designer and founder of ‘Pilgrim’, says, “Most of our collections have something to do with ‘khadi’. Be it tops, jackets or dresses, we’ve tried it all. Though the fabric is misunderstood to be just a base for traditional garments like ‘kurtas’ or ‘saris’, there is a lot one can work with it.”
“The tiny fluff that ‘khadi’ has since its handspun makes it interesting. The dresses that I worked on recently are done in ‘khadi’ with ‘Kalamkari’ print on it. While plain ‘khadi’ looks beautiful too, there is a lot that can be tried. We’ve worked with short jackets that can be teamed with pants and butterfly tops that can be teamed with skirts,” she says.
Bengaluru-based designer Sanjay Choraria whose brand has worked on ‘khadi’ for the season, says that fashionistas are clearly breaking stereotypes now.
“We’ve tried ‘khadi’ silk bodycon dresses in white and black that look chic and classy. Despite the slubs, they have a clean finish which gives it a different look. Though people think of ‘khadi’ as a heritage fabric and relate it to classic outfits, we are trying to tell them that it is a luxurious fabric, urbane and for the brand-conscious youngsters of today,” he says.
‘Khadi’ has a relaxed texture which is light and one’s skin can breathe easy through it, says Jayasmita Dutta, a young professional, who owns many ensembles in ‘khadi’. “While it is one of the best fabrics to indulge in, it requires maintenance. I am a big fan of ‘khadi’ tops and pants. Jackets in it have a very professional look too,” she points out.
Jayasmita feels that ‘khadi’ can be worn anywhere. “It has a this cool yet classy character to its texture,” she says.