Reuse & recycle. Centuries old kantha textile craft does it all

23 Apr '10

5 min read

Today, MKC has ensured that history is being kept alive in a special line of bedspreads, throws, cushion covers, canopies and wall hangings, by recreating central mandals with healing powers, village vignettes and flora and fauna, of the bygone eras. Efficient product control by ten team leaders ensures that quality of kantha is being maintained, which results in greater appreciation of the work, and increased demand. It will not be long before kantha is recognized worldwide as a top fashion statement, with a social cause: empowerment of women against many odds.

Change is the essence of life. MKC uses the kantha stitch, a stitch above the rest, in its new avtar as a decorative stitch on single-layers of natural luxury textiles. Often, contemporary geometrical nets and Moghul lattices embellish the base of the sari or dupatta, and are surrounded by a border and palloo worked in the more traditional style. A quilting stitch is used for a bridal outfit or for a sherwani for the groom.

Well, that is the change MKC has brought about. Kantha embellished shot silk lenhga-cholis, with brocade facing and a glitter of beads and sequins, for brides, and Bangalore silk sherwanis, with pearl decorations, every square centimetre covered in kantha, for grooms, are now a part of MKC collection. What started as a means of holding tatters of fabric together has evolved a sophistication that appeals to the urban elite.

The latest addition to the vast range of MKC collection is patchwork kantha, where patterns on textiles are created by using strips of kantha fabrics, emulating the recycling concept of the era gone by. It is the positive vibrations instilled in these textiles, by the passion, the dedication, the dignity of these women of rural Bengal, which give the kantha textiles such an amazing appeal. People touch Kantha and then take it to their cheeks to feel it … this is a frequent occurence. There seems to be, to some, an un-describable appeal for the Kantha texture, which could be the highlight of kantha promotion in the years ahead … its feel.

2010 will be dedicated towards promotion of Kantha as a “movement” for empowerment of women. With support from MKC, SHE will work towards 'Green Fashion'. A new line of wearables will be introduced which will be made from organic cotton using chemical free dye. Kantha has always believed in reuse and recycle, this will take it a step further, along with which awards will be given away to kantha artisans, so that Kantha becomes a household name and more people buy Kantha, for what it stands for.

Fibre2fashion News Desk - India

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