October 2019 Edition Apparel October 2019 issue | Seite 55

HIGHER-QUALITY ORGANIC COTTON, KNOWN AS SUPIMA COTTON, HAS GAINED POPULARITY IN RECENT YEARS. being adopted by a range of brands to craft sustainable, responsible clothing. Fish scales and scraps of fabrics, which minimise wastage, are also being used to generate all sorts of products ranging from dresses and scarves to bags. Although khadi has been around since long, it has recently been garnering a lot of eyeballs, having been revived in various forms, one of them being khadi denim.” THE EARTH CONNECT Even though natural fabrics are centuries-old, the interest and conviction with which they are being pursued is relatively new. Anjali Sharma, Founder and Designer, Bacca Clothing India, says, “The focus has shifted from mass production to conscious business and production. The main reason why organic fabrics are taking centre stage is because they pose the least damage to our environment and ecosystem. These fabrics are naturally non-allergic, softer, and have a safer texture for all skin types, besides being stronger and more durable.” In India, there is an urgent need for a shift towards cotton that is both ecologically and financially sustainable. Organic fibres are the emerging narrative that can bring sustainable and regenerative practices, which indicate moving away from the current mainstream, negligent approaches to making and consuming fashion. Aditya Jain, Founder and CEO, YAJY, says, “Organic fabrics are becoming increasingly popular by means of recycling and upcycling to craft apparel lines. With their high environmental benefits, they have an integral role to play in the overall agricultural movement. These products exclude usage of harmful chemicals, thereby ensuring minimum damage to the environment.” Vikash Pacheriwal, Co-Founder, Raisin, adds, “Organically grown cotton and muslin are Supima cotton, has gained popularity in recent years. Equally, there has been a rise in the awareness about the impact our clothing choices have on the planet, and how our current ways of consumption are not at all sustainable, now and in the long run.” India FEATURE THE COST FACTOR From spinning the yarn to weaving it into a fabric, the process of crafting organic materials is a time-consuming one. Organic fabrics are usually hand-dyed with natural components and pigments, which require extra care and effort. It is no wonder then that organic textiles as well APPAREL I October 2019 I 53