Gone are the days when the fabric was synonymous with swatantra sainanis (freedom fighters) and the clan of politicians. It is also no more the attire of Bollywood celluloid characters dedicated to weeping, sniveling or coughing widows played by the likes of Sulochana, Achala Sachdev et al. Today, an uber cool fabric, Khadi, tops the chart of trends.

The humble handspun fabric, popularised by Mahatma Gandhi during the country’s freedom struggle, has become the most sought after fabric by fashion designers and the glitterati. With the Indian summer heat on our heads, putting on something that’s trendy as well as comfort-driven comes as a relief.

“Khadi is one of those Indian fabrics which apart from making a style statement, have turned tables in the international market. This is a fabric which rules the popularity list in the international markets and sells at a high price there,’’ says Ahmedabad-based designer Digvijay Singh. “Several international designers are using Khadi in a big way in their collections.’’

Hyderabad-based fashion designer Asmita Marwa’s love affair with the fabric started when she was a toddler and used to play in her grandmother’s lap.
`` My grandma Laxmi Gunti wore only Khadi saris in off whites and beige with gentle coloured borders. The softness and comfort of that fabric attracted me so much that I’ve always loved to design in Khadi fabric,’’ says Asmita, who sells from Mélange in Mumbai.