Khadi The Timeless Textile

For years our grandmothers have spoken about khadi, the national textile of the country. For the uninitiated few, khadi refers to any natural textile that is handspun or handwoven.  The textile that once ruled the European markets was banned by the British in a bid to improve the sales of their products. Luckily enough, khadi has gained momentum in the last ten years. Its is no longer a textbook term associated with politicians.

Designers like Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Sabyasachi and Anita Dongre aren’t afraid to flaunt their latest collections in khadi. In fact, Sabyasachi Mukherjee is often credited for bringing khadi back to India’s bridal couture. In fact, he once said that he is quite proud about his khadi bridal lehengas. “As a bridal designer, I keep thinking “what’s next?” and I keep coming back to khadi. It is sophisticated, cultural and powerful. For me, khadi is equivalent to wellness and nothing can be more luxurious than that. Some of my most discerning customers globally have chosen to wear khadi lehengas for their wedding.” the designer wrote when he launched his SS ’19 Collection which showcased some beautiful khadi lehengas.

While we celebrate this textile everyday, our Independence Day seems to be the perfect day to highlight it. Whilst you take pride in the various things that this country has to offer, do not forget about the humble khadi! If you are a bride who wants to include a part of our heritage in your wedding, take a look at these splendid khadi creations!

1. Fiery Red Passion

Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee

This bright red khadi lehenga with golden butti is a part of Sabyasachi’s flamboyant Spring Summer’19 collection.

2. A Melange of Colours

Outfit: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Footballer Jyoti Ann Burrett looks stunning in this off-white blouse and skirt with ghungroo tassels and silk trimmings. The look is completed by the  khadi patola coat hand embroidered in multicoloured resham.

3. Saree Sundari!

Outfit: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Social media star Dolly Singh aka Spill the Sass, walked the ramp for ABSK in a carefully curated khadi saree. The beige khadi saree is accentuated with zardosi floral motifs.

4. Mustard Summers

Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee

Another khadi lehenga from his collection ‘Fiza’, this mustard one is a cult favourite!

5. Contemporary Saree for the Contemporary Bride

Outfit: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Another social media favourite, Kusha Kapila also walked the ramp for ABSK for their #KhadiGoesGlobal campaign. She wore a contemporary khadi saree, hand embroidered in multicolored resham and edged with gold Marodi borders. The saree is paired with a box pleated jacket. Billi Mausi approves!

6. Fit for a Princess

Outfit: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Aditi Rao Hydari looks regal in this beige anarkali with gota work and ghungroos!

7. The Versatile Sarees

Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee

These Kalamkari sarees are meticulously textures and overdyed. It is embellished with Sabyasachi’s signature zardosi border. 

Outfit: Sabyasachi Mukherjee

A black woven khadi and zari saree with antique zardosi border and hand-crafted tribal tassels. The tilla work blouse looks spectacular with the saree!

8. Glamorous Anarkali

Outfit: Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla

Jewellery designer Riddhima Kapoor wore an  offwhite low waisted multi kali hand-embroidered anarkali with tiny gota dots, intricate zardozi and kangini, highlighted with crystals.

There is something special about khadi, isn’t it?