As we celebrate the 77th Independence Day under the resounding theme of ‘Nation First, Always First’, we take a look at the renaissance of the Indian fabric that flourished and gained prominence during the country’s struggle for freedom—khadi. Handwoven and hand spun, khadi was an exceptional symbol for ‘Swaraj’ (self-rule) and ‘Swadeshi’ (self-reliance and sufficiency) during the freedom movement.
Once a rallying cry for self-reliance and independence, the significance of khadi has gracefully transitioned onto the global stage. Indian designers, recognising the weight of their responsibility, have embraced the task of carrying forward the legacy of our nation’s hard-fought freedom. In a beautiful tribute to our indigenous heritage, these native labels have not only preserved but also elevated the enduring charm of khadi. Their contemporary fashion designs serve as a vibrant ode to our Indian roots, both domestically and internationally. Here, we take a closer look at some of these homegrown brands.
1. 11.11
Fashion and graphic designers Shani Himanshu and Mia Morikawa spearhead label 11.11, a brand wholeheartedly dedicated to the khadi ethos. With its origins in Delhi and a presence globally, their luxury collection integrates khadi seamlessly. Symbolising an eternal pursuit of excellence, their name ‘11.11’ mirrors the consistent thread running through their collections. For those embracing minimalistic wardrobes, the label’s effortlessly day-to-night transition brings solace. Earth and sky hues dominate—earthy browns, soft yellows, vivid blues, and a touch of white. Ethical at its core, 11.11’s khadi use bridges farming, weaving, vegetable dyeing, block printing traditions, and modern perception.
2. Love The World Today
Drawing inspiration from the innocence of childhood, Love The World Today designs sustainable attire for young girls and boys, fostering an early connection with khadi. A unique facet of this brand is its cycle of sustainability—once your child outgrows the garments, you can return them. The collection features joyful shades—abundant chambray blues and radiant sunlit yellows—infusing vibrant energy into each piece while promoting ethical practices from a tender age.
3. Khadiwala Designer
NIFT Gandhinagar alumnus Ashish Satyavrat Sahu channelled his profound affection for Jharkhand’s culture and people into the creation of ‘Khadiwala Designer’. The brand champions the resurgence of authentic Indian khadi and indigenous Jharkhand textiles. Embracing a community-driven approach, the brand employs local tribal women for the traditional Sohrai art in their designs. The brand gracefully incorporates elements from Sohrai’s folk art adorning the designs with clean lines, dots, flora, and fauna motifs that hold religious significance. Rooted in earthy tones of ochre, brown, and rust, their designs emanate a free-flowing, minimalist aesthetic mirroring Jharkhand’s simple yet rich lifestyle.
4. Taneira
Infusing a myriad of culture and colours from India’s diverse landscape, this indigenous saree label exudes a distinct local essence in each design. The khadi sarees they curate stand as a heartfelt homage to Swadeshi principles, adorning the canvas of Indian beauty with threads of tradition. Taneira not only showcases an array of choices but also encapsulates culture within its very fabric.
5. The Pot Plant
The Pot Plant celebrates the allure of natural fabrics and harmonious attire. Established in 2014 by Resham Karmchandani and Sanya Suri, the brand embodies a devotion to ‘congenial clothing’. Their tailor-made creations exude an aura of unhurried mindfulness coupled with a playful spirit. From anti-fit dresses to asymmetrical maxis, flared trousers, and calf-grazing culottes, The Pot Plant’s collections champion ethical and sustainable fashion. With a prominent focus on natural fabrics, their designs epitomise the essence of conscious dressing and mindful living, fostering an evergreen connection between fashion and sustainability.
6. The Khadi Staple
For an affordable yet sustainable and stylish wardrobe, explore The Khadi Staple. Their collection not only showcases fashion-forward attire embracing tradition for both men and women, but also extends to charming khadi outfits for kids. The brand’s commitment to sustainability shines through their exclusive use of vegetable dyes and eco-friendly fabrics crafted from breathable organic cotton.
7. Bunosilo
Hailing from Kolkata, Bunosilo focuses on crafting high-quality, genuine, and handcrafted apparel. The name itself translates to ‘knit and stitch’, where each item bears the distinctive touch of being individually handmade, even carrying the wearer’s name. The brand directly deals with ethical suppliers, employs natural materials, champions sustainable fibres, and supports ethical craftsmanship. The brand’s devotion to honouring artisans is evident through its range of products featuring effortlessly wearable pieces, including unique shirt dresses, tailored kurta sets, pleated pants, and carefree tunics.
