Desi khadi gets videshi touch using shibori

Desi khadi gets ‘videshi’ touch now with Nuzhat Shaikh, a student of M S University, designs khadi apparels using ‘shibori’ – a Japanese tie-dyeing technique. Shaikh, who is pursuing her masters in clothing and textile, undertook the research to promote the use of khadi among Indian youth.
As part of her research programme, Shaikh amalgamated khadi and shibori to design apparels that appeal the youth.

In all, there are 28 sub-methods of shibori technique which is not widely used in the Indian market. Survey showed that though few artisans were using some of these techniques in their work, they were completely unaware of its origin, said Shaikh, who had undertaken the study to know the impact of shibori designs on khadi amongst youths in the city.

Shaikh has designed a number of apparels such as jumpsuits, frocks, kediyu dhoti, shirts, crepe kaftans, off shoulder kaftan and panelled jackets with dhotis among others that are also summer wears.

Since, shibori technique requires precision, its application on hard material is difficult. After designing the apparels, they were kept on display at the department after which a survey was carried out to know response of the visitors.

Generally, shibori technique is ornamented on silk and soft fabric. Khadi being a hard material prevents the dye from penetrating through to the fabric. In order to get an even spread, repeated dyeing became essential, said Dr Madhu Sharan guide to Shaikh

The combination of khadi and shibori put on display is an apt fusion for summer wears. Of the 90 respondents, 82 percent said it has a unique appearance. A majority of them were inclined to buy these apparels.