Today, fabrics have become exceedingly complex. The textile industry has reached its zenith, yet the world still values simplicity. In the present day, style serves as a compass for change, and designers carefully select their fabrics and designs with precision. Furthermore, stores worldwide are striving for simplicity in their designs, making them easily understandable to their target audiences. The world of fashion is undergoing a transition, and the importance of natural fabrics like Khadi has multiplied. Therefore, encountering humble and coarse Khadi in any part of the world is no longer unusual. In fact, the journey of Khadi has been remarkably interesting. Today, Khadi is not limited to dull colors; it is available in vibrant shades, soft textures, and is viewed as classy.

Although Khadi didn't make an immediate impact on the fashion scene, the transition from its 'jhola image' to a favorite among fashionistas has been loud and clear. Khadi is a blend of cotton, silk, or wool, spun into thread on the charkha. In India, Khadi represents more than just a fabric; it symbolizes India's freedom struggle. Even after many years, it's remarkable that Khadi continues to make a grand entry into the fashion world.

Unfortunately, it's only recently that Khadi has started receiving the recognition it deserves, not only in India but also globally. Designers are now more eager than ever to incorporate Khadi into their collections, and the fabric has garnered praise for its comfort from wearers. Leading Indian designers working internationally, as well as modern retail chains, have given the traditional hand-spun fabric a modern and contemporary look.

Khadi has also made its mark in cities like Paris, New York, and more. Danish textile designer Bess Nielsen has even named his store in Paris after Khadi. The fabric has even been used in Star Wars films, and designer Christina Kim's haute label, Dosa, in Los Angeles, USA, stocks it. There are exclusive Khadi stores in Dubai. Khadi has truly been in the limelight for all the right reasons. This fact is confirmed by a US-based fashion designer who has established a fashion house in Jaipur, exclusively catering to the growing demand for organic Khadi outfits. The fashion house offers a wide range of clothing, all made from organic fabric. According to the designer, people worldwide have started realizing the medicinal benefits of wearing organic Khadi.

Today there are Khadi denims, pants, jackets, shirts, handbags, tops, stoles, loafers, bedcovers and towels. In India, which is Khadi's birthplace, Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (ASSOCHAM) has taken the responsibility of promoting Khadi as a global brand. The Khadi and Village Industry Commission (KVIC) has reported the production of Khadi worth Rs 762 crores in the preceding year of 2012-13. ASSOCHAM has strongly recommended that the government puts stress on launching international KVIC outlets, endorsing the significance of Khadi industries in discerning global markets and marketing the brand Khadi via global retailers like Walmart, TESCO, Carrefour, etc. The Government and Asian Development Bank declared a couple of years back to provide assistance worth $150 million to 300 Khadi institutions.


Khadi is gracious yet casual, magnificent yet simple, individualistic yet sensitive, sustainable yet distinct and much more. Khadi dyes flawlessly and its texture is fabulous. Its characteristics make it a luxury fabric. It is eco-friendly and its carbon footprint is minimal and since the fabric is hand-spun, it does not consume any electricity and doesn't leave any waste in the process, making it absolutely a great choice to conserve environment. Khadi is woven in a way so that it controls body temperature and keeps the body cool in summer and warm in winter. It causes no allergy or irritations to the body. In addition to this, the designers make it richer by adding accessories and embroidery to it.


Another reason for Khadi's rising popularity is that the organic fabrics last longer than the regular ones. A regular white tee loses its shine and lustre after about 12 to 15 washes, whereas, a white shirt made from organic Khadi lasts even after 100 washes. Also, Khadi is naturally fade-resistant, which means that the colour of the fabric lasts for a long period. The experts have realised that the regular cotton is heavily processed after it is harvested and ripped off its natural waxes. On the other hand, organic Khadi retains its natural wax and therefore it retains its sheen and smoothness. Organic Khadi blocks the UV rays and helps keep moisture away from the skin.


However, there are some hiccups in procuring the fabric. Khadi is produced in small pockets of India, following which its quality is not consistent and it has to be chemically treated to make it more pliable. In view of overcoming these hitches, some well-known designers in India are working closely with the Khadi weavers.


Khadi has embarked on a journey to win the global apparel industry. The customers are aware about the fabrics that are U.V. protected, anti-bacterial, and good for skin and do not lose sheen with continuous washes. Khadi is a fabric that provides everything a modern consumer needs. The fabric can be worn at home or work place and also cost is not a restrain. Furthermore, increased participation of Indian fashion designers in international fashion shows has increased, which implies that Khadi is crossing the borders easily and reaching every corner of the world.

 

Once, this fabric was for masses, now it has become a style statement. Khadi has earned a good name for itself; today it is about slipping into this amazing fabric and winning the world with ease and comfort.


References:


1.      Indiainfoline.com

2.      Thehindu.com

3.      Mensxp.com

4.      Lifestyle.iloveindia.com