Bangalore | August 2014
By August 2014, we were on a mission. We had conquered the traditional stages and the youth circuits, but it was time to take Khadi to the “Silicon Valley of India” for Bangalore Fashion Week.
For too long, Khadi had been pigeonholed. It was seen as the uniform of the politician or the attire of the elderly. At Bangalore, we arrived with a point to prove: Khadi is not limited by tradition; it is only limited by one’s imagination.
The “Aura of Khadi” Collection
Our collection, “Aura of Khadi,” was designed as a visual timeline of the fabric’s versatility. We wanted to show the world that if you let your mind be free and your creativity lead the way, this fabric can do anything.
The runway journey was a transformation:
- The Roots: We began with the timeless elegance of the Khadi Saree, reminding the audience of the fabric’s soulful origin.
- The Evolution: Slowly, the silhouettes shifted into tunics, capes, and layered ensembles.
- The Revolution: The climax of the show left the audience stunned—Khadi Hot Pants.
Seeing a fabric associated with the freedom struggle transformed into high-street, edgy hot pants was a “lightbulb moment” for the Indian fashion industry.
Challenging the Industry
The message behind “Aura of Khadi” was simple: Indian Khadi is not less than any international luxury fabric. The industry didn’t need a new textile; it needed a new perspective. We wanted to demonstrate that Khadi could be sexy, it could be avant-garde, and it could be the first choice for a summer party just as easily as it is for a formal gala.
The Creative Freedom
This show was a call to action for designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. We showed that when you treat Khadi with respect but without fear, it rewards you with incredible texture and structure.
Bangalore Fashion Week wasn’t just a successful show; it was the moment we successfully decoupled Khadi from the political stage and placed it firmly on the global fashion map.
