Don't Leave Home Without It — Your Organic Kala Cotton Shawl, That Is

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“Kala Cotton is simply the best. I have been working with it for years and these shawls are divine. Everyone should have at least one in their wardrobe. I don’t leave home without mine!” — Lindsay Taylor, Founder and Creative Director of Tallentire House, Sri Lanka.

I heartily agree. Lindsay is talking about a fabric that is entirely rain-fed and pest resistant — and gorgeous. She should know, as the designer of some of the most stunning cotton products around.

Kala cotton is a soft and organic cotton, slightly slubby, sumptuous against your skin and of excellent quality.

Kala cotton shawls are the perfect summer accessory — easy to carry for an extra layer, to throw around your shoulders in a cold air-conditioned room, or to keep you snug outdoors on a cool summer evening. Check out my small collection here.

But What Is It, Really?

It is an ancient, short-staple and genetically pure species of cotton. It is indigenous to Kutch, in western India. It is an “old-world” cotton having been around since 3000 B.C.

During colonization, use of India’s short-staple indigenous cotton diminished, and it is currently enjoying a revival.

This awesome fiber is also very sustainable. In addition to being rain-fed and pest-resistant, it provides income for local farmers, dyers, weavers and spinners. Because it is naturally pest-resistant, farmers don’t need pesticides or synthetic fertilizers.

The recent revival of kala cotton has helped local weavers who could not previously buy raw materials in bulk. Women who spin the yarn actually get paid for work they did for free in the past.

So what are you waiting for? Check out my small collection here →