Khadi inspires city youngsters

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Khadi, the hand-woven fabric has been an intrinsic part of our heritage. Delhi’s youth continue to draw inspiration from this indigenous fabric, despite the market being flooded with Western clothes and other fabrics.
“Khadi is the perfect blend of old and contemporary India. Plus, it is an excellent option when you want to look formal and not be formal.

With Western wear you either have formals or relaxed wear. But, khadi is good blend of both,” says Archit Kumar, a young theatre director.
“The youth is going organic these days — be it in terms of food, fashion or clothing as people want to avoid chemically generated, synthetic or reactive products. So, khadi is gaining popularity amongst youngsters,” says Delhi-based Monica Chaudhry, a fashion management student.
Another fashion-conscious philosophy student at JNU, Parnika Goel says, “If you feel that fashion is about signifying something then, when you wear khadi it signifies that you are an ecologically-conscious person.”
“Khadi speaks of truth and struggle. It commands respect and dignity. If you want to carry the ‘look of an intellectual or a politician’, Khadi is your fabric,” says Ritu Kharayat, a student pursuing her Masters in social work.
Designer Gaurang Shah, who participated in the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) summer-resort 2012, and whose handloom work was recently showcased at Berlin Fashion Week says, “Khadi, a fabric popularised by Mahatma Gandhi, was considered restrictive in terms of its coarse texture, restricted designs and basic colours,” but Shah feels this is no longer the case.
“Khadi is easily washable; very light to wear and easy to drape. This fabric speaks of the essence of true India and needs to be revived,” he adds.
Stores like Khadi Bhandar and Fabindia offer a wide range of khadi products varying from clothes, accessories, soaps, handbags etc.
“We have variety of khadi kurtas in all sizes ranging from `430 to `830, which is easily affordable for youngsters,” says Amit Khanduja, store manager of Fabindia in South Delhi.