Designers reinvent khadi, Gandhi’s favourite fabric

Gandhi Jayanti is not only associated with Mahatma Gandhi but also with khadi, the fabric that was an integral part of the swadeshi movement. To Gandhi, the fabric symbolized self-reliance for the masses. Now, designers are increasingly turning to khadi, giving it a refreshing avatar. “Khadi represents the ethos of India. It is the most comfortable fabric for the country but poor designing over the years made khadi clichéd. Now, the ecofriendly fabric is being reinterpreted at the weaving and styling levels, to make it feel more premium,” says designer Nachiket Barve who used the fabric extensively. Last month, designer duo Nikhil and Shantanu created a Gandhi moment at a fashion show in London dedicating an entire collection to the leader. “Today the world is going back to their roots. We’re doing the same, representing India in a poetic way. Khadi is how our country is — diverse — as its textures vary and no two fabrics are the same. With our collection in London we gave new draping styles to blur gender lines, just as Mahatma Gandhi wanted to reduce inequality,” says designer Nikhil Mehra.

Others experimenting with the fabric include Urvashi Kaur, who is doing slip dresses and tunics, Pawan Sachdeva who has launched a khadi pantsuit collection to honour Gandhi, 11.11/eleven eleven, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta who came up with khadi collections.

Designer Anavila Misra says it is important for the youth to adopt it. “The inherent quality of made-by-hand lends it a unique texture which makes the fabric breathable. It falls beautifully and improves with each wash. We need to realise khadi is not just heritage, it’s a way of life and a unique textile. That will infuse contemporary designs and help the youth relate to it,” she adds.

Agrees Pawan Sachdeva. “I’m using khadi for Indian and western wear, to create smart jackets and pantsuits. It’s a hit due to its versatility,” says Sachdeva.

‘WE WILL INFUSE CONTEMPORARY DESIGNS AND HELP THE YOUTH RELATE TO KHADI,’ SAYS DESIGNER ANAVILA MISRA ON MAKING IT A WAY OF LIFE

: A Shantanu Nikhil khadi creation

PHOTO: FOTOCORP Actor Sonam K Ahuja in a khadi sari

PHOTO: URVASHI KAUR/ INSTAGRAM An Urvashi Kaur design