A miscellany in khadi

Advisor to KVIC India and haute couture diva Ritu Beri unveils a selection of khadi outfits that she terms "Miscellany in khadi."

When she was invited to design a whole range of khadi ware at KVIC she stated quite pertinently: "Most people have preconceived notions about khadi being a rough material and think its role is only reduced to kurtas, angavastras, pyjamas and jackets. But once I started working I realized that you also have khadi in silk, its satin smooth finish and texture is so perfect for to create all kinds of couture for men and women."

"Today Khadi has entered the lexicon of Make in India and is a symbol of India's potential economic self-sufficiency," she affirms. "It is making headway to being the prominent symbol of modern India. The Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises has been implementing various schemes and programmes for the development of Khadi. There has been significant growth in the production, sales and employment during preceding years."

In the many outfits and kurtas and jackets at her upcoming event, "Miscellany in Khadi" in Delhi, Beri says that it is the silk yarns and drapes that are more enthralling.

The Khadi that she works with is spun and woven all across the country, however, Khadi Silk is made in Karnataka only. It is recognized in grammage and varies from 40 gms to 70 gms.

It is this higher grammage that makes khadi a luxurious fabric. About the process, Beri states: "It is handwoven with hand-spun yarns. A truly organic fabric. Khadi was a fabric I used to launch my brand 25 years ago and have been rigorously using the fabric for the last 2-3 years. As Khadi is made with pure cotton or silk yarns, it soothes the skin, making it skin friendly."

Khadi is also considered environment-friendly. "Khadi production does not leave behind any harmful waste - it is thus the most eco-friendly fabric ever. Khadi is 'green', 'sustainable', 'eco-friendly', 'zero waste', 'bio-degradable', and leaves 'zero carbon footprint'," she clarifies about its ecological qualities that are one with the new strategies of carbon print settings.

She is of the firm opinion that we must embrace Khadi today. Once a symbol of India's independence popularised by Mahatma Gandhi is no longer seen as a poor man's cloth. Khadi now represents a handmade-in-India product of value and pride. And while it continues to be a symbol of freedom, it also represents an evolving India.

Khadi creates a perfect harmony between tradition and modernity. It works with both western and Indian ensembles. She describes the range that beckons women and young girls of all ages. "The silhouettes are a mix of our rich tradition with a contemporary look, the clothes are easy-to-wear yet glamorous. Interesting details and a mix of appliqué, as well as unusual embroideries, constitutes this versatile collection of Khadi for today's woman. Indeed if you want your skin to breathe through an Indian summer, khadi is the best fabric to add to your wardrobe. And when stitched in modern cuts and angular artistry it should make you preen like a queen."

("Miscellany of Khadi" will be held from March 21 to 23 at 22A, Ashoka Avenue, Sainik Farms, New Delhi)