As a brand, our consistent inspiration is the rich Indic heritage that forms the cultural bed of the traditions we live our lives by today — be that the intricate history of textiles and fabrics, yoga, classical dance, Ayurveda or sustainability. Sustainable living has been a part of the fabric of Indic tradition since it’s dawn, and it continues to inspirit life today — when our grandmothers save the starchy water from cooked rice to water the plants or starch their clothes, or repurpose old garments and sarees in new, creative ways.
Sustainability is all about finding the small ways to save and repurpose everyday items, it’s about finding a way of living that supports the environment as much as possible. One of the key characteristics of Indic fashion, that continues today, is how every aspect of making the final product was eco-friendly, and sustainable. Every step of the process encourages mindfulness and respect for the environment, and the user.
In fact, our values and brand mission have been profoundly influenced by the values of the designers, workmen, and tailors who gave us this rich heritage of Indic fashion. We connect deeply with the history and traditions we owe our lifestyles to today with every step of our journey.
All Indic wear has traditionally been crafted from natural fibres — cotton, hemp, silk, jute, you name it. And, what’s more, all of the dyes used were natural pigments derived from plants and plant products such as vegetables, fruits, flowers, leaves, and roots. Fabrics were handwoven, garments were all hand stitched and hand-crafted, and the pigments used to print or paint on the fabric were all natural as well. Every detail invoked deep harmony with nature and the environment.
One of the primary reasons for this was the harmony and unity that formed the ideological basis of the Indic civilisation. Every living being lived in beautiful symphony with its respective surroundings — adding and nurturing, rather than hurting and harming. Moreover, all of these materials were completely biodegradable, ensuring a protection of the environment even after their use.
This outlook was instrumental in creating a textile industry that not only flourished back in Roman times, but has also sustained and continued over millennia. Even today, India holds 95% of the world’s hand-woven fabric.
As we celebrate the tradition of Sustainability that is central to Indic thought, philosophy, and life, we, at AdiValka, also pay homage to the lineage of textiles, fashion and production values that are the foundation of the work we do, and products we craft, today.
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