Khadi - the handwoven fabric - was used by Mahatma Gandhi as a tool to win India its independence from the British Raj. However, in spite of its popularity in India, Khadi failed to become a popular fabric in the wardroves of the elite or the masses. So far Khadi has been a mark of Indian politicians. Most of them ensure that they are donned in Khadi during public appearances.
Indian designer Amin Farista, after completing his fashion designing in Mumbai decided to dedicate his life for the promotion of khadi and handwoven. He made it his life’s mission to bring khadi from boring Bhavans to upmarket malls in India and work towards making it the Gateway of Indian fashion to the world.
Impressed by his passion for khadi, his wife Dr Rupal also left her job as a lecturer to join him in the mission to make wearing khadi an upmarket fashion and also support weavers around the country. Amin and Rupal, who live in Rajnandgaon, Chhattisgarh, have been on the move during the last 18 years doing research on Khadi, spending days to procure the right material, creating awe inspiring designer clothes and participating at fashion shows and exhibitions in India and abroad.
Talking to Asian Voice, Amin says, “the inspiration came from families of both of us who have had immense admiration for Gandhiji and this handwoven clothes since the days of India’s independence. My mission is to bring khadi into the wardrobes of the young and elite, and I am glad that our efforts are paying off as the fabric is now finding its way into the closets of fashionable Page 3 personalities in India. Even the Narendra Modi led Indian government is making huge efforts to promote the fabric, which is helping us to accomplish our goal.”
In fact Amin is the only designer of his kind in the country who is solely dedicated to khadi. His clothes including Indian and western wear are eagerly sought by collegians and the young crowd. Some of their hottest selling attires and articles include crop tops and jackets, open and fused coats, winter tabards, shopping bags, hot pants, straight pants and kaftaans. The most favourite among youngsters currently are fringed short and long dresses.
Rupal says, “finally we have also started getting orders from end users in US, UK and other countries. In fact, for us the turnaround came during the Covid times, when our Khadi face masks were a big hit with foreign residents. In fact, khadi meets WHO specifications for face masks, as it is a highly breathable yet thick fabric.”
Khadi also seems to be gaining popularity in England lately. Pure khadi outfits took the centerstage on India Day at the London Fashion Week 2023. The show, in association with the London School of Trends (LST), was reflective of their mission to bring Indian handloom, weaves, art and craft on to an international platform for the world to experience the rich textile and handicraft history of India.
Popular models like Sheela Truchi, Chitrashi Rawat, Alankrita Shahi, Ayesha S Aiman and Queen Charles (Nigeria) have already been very excited to work with Farista at the exhibitions in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Pune, Bengaluru, Goa, Lucknow, Nagpur, Amritsar, Raipur and Dubai where they have showcased their khadi collections.”
Amin believes that, “khadi has a great future in India and around the world, if presented in the right way. Though the government is also doing a sincere effort, it would be good if more designers experiment with khadi cloth in their designs. It is just a matter of time before khadi becomes an international brand.”