CHARKHARA

This collection is based on the design of a sustainable garment that is not only completely hand-stitched but also uses the hand spun fabric of ‘Khadi’. This natural fiber cloth of Indian origin has played a significant role in the cultural, political, and socio-economic past of the country. It was introduced by Mahatma Gandhi during the colonial rule in India, to instill self reliance amongst people.

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Khadi is spun on the Charkha with 24 spokes, that is a symbolic representation of the hours of the day and the value of time. Taking this forward, my garment will have 24 joinery systems to acknowledge the efforts of those who spin the wheel painstakingly 24 hours a day.

I have therefore innovated unique, non-intrusive and hand crafted joinery systems of a wheel and penny, to construct the entire garment using zero machinery. With this collection, I hope to raise awareness on the laborious process of hand spinning this fabric and increase it’s perceived value, shifting the mindsets of my audience to more conscious consumption.

 

The brand name 'Charkhara' colloquially translates as, wheel- 'Charkha' and green- 'Hara'.