If any Gujarati is out to buy khadi, they choose khadi made in Gondal, which is a quaint erstwhile princely State in Saurashtra. Kutch is a heaven when it comes to textile. Kala cotton is an organic cotton grown mainly in Kutch. Recently, New York’s mayoral primary winner Zohar Mamdani was seen wearing an indigo jacket made from Kala cotton. He has also been sported wearing khadi from Gondal. Mamdani is acclaimed internationally known film maker Mira Nair’s son.
Kala cotton is a fashion that is sustainable and durable. Often, it is used when a Jamdani is woven. Jamdani and Kala Cotton dupattas are popular amongst the elite in Gujarat. However, for the masses, Kala Cotton is not popular. Also, farmers prefer to grow and cultivate castor as its’ returns are more than Kala cotton. Gujarat is a major cotton producing State. Kutch, a desert area is the birth place of Kala cotton which is rain fed and a short staple cotton variety that has become trendy amongst eco conscious buyers across the world. Since it is pesticide free, it attracts lots of Jain buyers besides vegans who find it attractive. Ditto with the Gondal khadi. This handspan and handwoven khadi attracts customers and buyers across the world because of its’ organic, biodegradable and sustainable characteristics. Gondaa khadi has also graduated to denim which is loom made and organic.
With Bollywood celebrities like Alia Bhatt and Vidya Balan seen sporting Kala cotton and of late the New Yorker Zohar Mamdani, Kala cotton is making a silent comeback. Kutch is a desert but Kala cotton is drought resistant and known for its’ sustainability and durability making it a favourite amongst eco conscious fashionistas. The name Kala which has origins in Sanskrit does not mean art as its’ original meaning suggests but is a colloquial term which is derived from a black seed of cotton. The Japanese and aristocratic Europeans are believed to be besotted with it.
This quiet revolution and comeback of Kala cotton is a welcome movement in the fashion industry and especially for Gujarat, its’ prime manufacturer.
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