In my work with handmade textiles, I noticed that handlooms were either priced high as designer items or lacked contemporary styling due to underfunded NGOs. At mainstream trade fairs, their representation was minimal, and it troubled me to see synthetics valued more than handlooms.
I co-founded Earthwhile Living LLP, to make easy to wear clothing with consciously chosen plant fibers that are woven on handlooms in different parts of India.
Our shirts are made with indigenous and local cotton varieties from Kutch and Maharashtra (Kala cotton, Ak7/Ak8). These are grown using organic methods, without toxic pesticides, and are water efficient. We have also blended these with natural fibers like linen and hand-spun khadi yarn.
Choosing handloom fabric enables dignified work for weaving families and communities especially in rural India. Hand-weaving is a highly skilled activity and there are over 35 lakh people who are involved in weaving or allied activities according to the Fourth All India Handloom Census of India ('19-'20).
In a world of increasing inequalities, sourcing and making with our local communities is of true value to us.
We are engaged in slow production and do not keep up with the fast-fashion timelines. Our garments are cut and sewn in small batches with utmost care. All the waste is saved to recycle.
We keep our communications simple and clear and guided by our basic values. We clearly include info on the materials of each garment with wash instructions on the attached tag. Our reusable packaging cotton bag says - "Wear - Love - Keep - Mend - Make old friend!"
We design, sample and source fabrics directly from weavers in Kutch or smll organisations in Wardha that work with cotton farmers incentivising them to grow organically. Our clothing is stitched in a small women run set up. Our buttons are made with tagua nuts.
Through Earthwhile, we work on building long-lasting inclusive community of conscious makers growing together.
