New trend that helps embrace a simpler life
A NEW TREND THAT HELPS EMBRACE A SIMPLER LIFE Adapting to a simple life that is harmonious with nature, is finding many takers in urban India. Many have discovered that it has helped them find a sense of calm in the chaos of the pandemic
Amidst the chaos of the pandemic and constant news of death and despair, it often becomes difficult to hold one’s ground and feel comfortable in one’s own space. But in these difficult times, many people have found that doing something that is simple and connects you to your roots, helps. If you have already tried your hand at cooking some traditional recipes, gardening or knitting, you are already part of the beautiful movement called Cottagecore — a movement that reminds you of simpler times and helps you find peace.
UNDERSTANDING COTTAGECORE
Cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates simple, sustainable living which is harmonious with nature. It celebrates a return to traditional skills like foraging, baking, knitting and pottery. And in such activities, one finds calm. This trend, which started a while ago, has gained great momentum, and is being adopted into every sphere of life — from interiors and art to food and fashion. This trend is extremely popular on Instagram, with many takers flaunting their photographs of sunlit meadows and lush forests. Many celebrities have also shared their sunkissed, almost no-make-up looks, and many have even shown off their knitting skills.
Kajal Agarwal, who recently took to knitting shared in a social media post, “While the situation is very grim, there is a general feeling of helplessness and anxiety around us. It is very important to focus and apply our minds to something, it can be anything — The idea is to feel purposeful/ creative and establish a sense of usefulness, productivity, and achievement. I have taken up knitting very recently and it helps me relax, it helps with mental wellbeing. I believe the act of creating something for others is truly therapeutic.”
I have been cooking at home, using natural and rustic materials, spending time with plants, celebrating simple life, and revamping my clothes. The cottagecore aesthetic reminds us about the importance of slowing down and living more consciously.
MINIMALISTIC, SUSTAINABLE, CALMING
Hyderabad-based fashion designer Geethika Kanumilli has not just embraced the cottagecore aesthetic in her personal life but also in her designs. She says, “I have always liked the cottagecore aesthetic. I like how simple and peaceful it is. It is very old world, feminine and slow.” Talking about incorporating it in fashion, she says, “I’m a huge fan of milkmaid necklines, puff sleeves, ruffles and prairie-inspired midi dresses and lace trims. My wardrobe has a lot of floral prints, knits, thread embroidery, simple relaxed dresses, and linen.” She believes the concept can reflect in one’s wardrobe as
— GEETHIKA KANUMILLI, Hyderabad-based
fashion designer
well. “My wardrobe is simple. Minimalistic. I love revamping my old clothes and using them more. I’m very attached to my clothes. I don’t have the heart to discard and buy new ones every now and then. I’m not a fan of fast fashion.”
“Also to me, sustainability doesn’t just mean using natural fibres and stuff. Being sustainable also means less wastage. So always re-use. Revamp whenever necessary.”
Kanumilli also incorporates cottagecore in other aspects of her life. “I have been cooking at home, using natural and rustic materials, spending time with plants, celebrating simple life, and revamping my clothes. The cottagecore aesthetic reminds us about the importance of slowing down and living more consciously,” she says.
For architect and designer Sarojini Dantapalli, who runs Design Experiment, along with Abhitej Velore, decluttering and minimalism is a mantra for not just her work, but also her life. “Our world is very overwhelming. So, the idea of de-cluttering really sits with us.” Talking about a project they did for an old couple in Hyderabad, Dantapalli says, “They wanted village elements incorporated into the house. We integrated an old swing, and wooden pillars in the design.” She believes the philosophy of minimalism or decluttering is not just to remove things but to add things that add value to you. The pandemic, she says has made everyone want to slow down and reflect. “We are planning to reduce the number of projects we take up,” she states. In addition, she has also tried her hand at making sourdough bread, gardening, and permaculture — all in an attempt to get closer to nature and embrace a simpler life.
Mohammad Irfan, manager, Our food Factory, believes traditional food has always been a comforting factor in the lives of people. His mother, Khatija Seema has been whipping up delicious traditional recipes, which is finding many takers. “The ladies of our house have experimented a lot during the last year, trying to recreate many traditional recipes. We even recreated some of my grandmother’s recipes, which is such a delight,” he says.
Whether you try your hand at some traditional recipes, baking, gardening or knitting, know that doing something that makes you feel connected to your roots can do a lot for your mental health. So, go ahead and embrace the cottagecore aesthetic.
Cottagecore is an aesthetic that celebrates simple, sustainable living which is harmonious with nature. It celebrates a return to traditional skills like foraging, baking, knitting and pottery. And in such activities, one finds calm.
While the situation is very grim, it is very important to focus and apply our minds to something. It can be anything — The idea is to feel purposeful/creative and establish a sense of usefulness, productivity, and achievement. I have taken up knitting very recently and it helps me relax, it helps with mental well-being. — KAJAL AGARWAL, actor, shared on a social media post