Eco-friendly fashion: Khadi cool

The hand-woven India-made khadi fabric is in rediscovery mode. The connoisseur of textiles and handlooms, designer Purvi Doshi speaks to us about her how she celebrates India's crafts and weaves and believes in slow, eco-friendly fashion.

Some of the big names who flaunt her creations include Kajol, Sonam Kapoor, Sonali Bendre, Sonal Chauhan, Sonakshi Sinha, Radhika Apte, Rakul Preet Singh, Sunita Kapoor (Anil Kapoor's wife), Anjali Tendulkar (Sachin Tendulkar's wife), Tisca Chopra, Sai Tamhankar, Anandiben Patel (ex-chief minister, Gujarat) and many others.

She does her bit to make natural fabrics and hues appealing to the trendy fashionistas. “I believe in sustainable fashion. I always wanted to promote the natural fabrics we have in our country. For me sustainability is no cruelty, no pollution, employment generation, Make in India and being proud about rich Indian heritage of arts and crafts.

By using khadi which is hand spun and hand woven fabric, I become part of employment generation to millions. Indian textiles are alive. You smell and feel the human touch, the beauty and brilliance of craft that only hands can bring, the feel of something which is very much of your own country.

Natural fabrics are sustainable as they are bio degradable, non-polluting and good for our body too. I like to call my creations “red carpet green dresses”,” states Purvi who has created cowls, flairs, jackets, long flowy dresses, pants, skirts and has used draping to give her designs a contemporary twist. Her stylish silhouettes with Make in India being the soul of Rhythms of Desert, her contemporary creations are inspired by the gypsies of the desert.  

Purvi has been a part of Lakme Fashion week for eight consecutive seasons, has done international shows at Bangladesh and was also a part of the Bangalore Fashion Week. The self-taught designer who is showcasing her  collections at The Rain Tree in Bengaluru from September 27-28 reveals on her journey, “I completed my MBA and started designing as a hobby. Soon I realised that I enjoy my hobby the most and decided to take it formally. Designs are everywhere! I learn from streets, sky, nature, trees and tribes. Since I use only natural colours, I have made reds and browns popular hues which are evergreen.”