Kala Cotton Scarf — Ecru, Red and Black

Wear it as a summer shawl over your shoulders or scrunch up as a scarf all year round. Add panache to any outfit with this scarf made in a handwoven and "old-world" organic cotton that feels raw and authentic on the skin.

• Handwoven (and partially handspun) in Kuchch, Gujarat

• Dimensions: 84" x 24"

• Mid-weight, soft yet slubby handfeel

• Breathable and drapes well, making the scarf comfortable to wear

• Kala cotton is a resilient crop. It is entirely rain-fed and grows without pesticides or irrigation despite Kuchchh's arid and desert climate.

• Because it is easy to grow, its revival is supporting farmers in Kuchchh.

Any variations or irregularities are to be celebrated. They are part of the design & inherent to the handcrafted production process, making this item beautifully unique.

The story of kala cotton is that of revival of an old-world cotton. It has its roots in cotton found in the region as far back as 3000 B.C during the Indus Valley civilization. Its revival began after an earthquake devastated Kuchchh in 2001.

In recent years, kala cotton has gained world renown as both global and Indian designers have embraced this gorgeous fiber. Because it requires no irrigation or pesticides it is advantageous to the farmers that grow it.

The scarf itself was handwoven by Naresh Manodhiya, a 22-year old weaver, from a weaver family in Bhujodi, a village in Kuchchh. He wove this scarf under the direction of Shamji Vishram Valji who is a master weaver, designer and natural dyer based in Bhujodi village in Kuchchh, India.

Shamji comes from a deep and rich artistic legacy. His father and his five brothers have won several awards between them and all have inherited a commitment and dedication to tradition. But while most of his crew's day is spent dyeing and weaving he also make time for design innovation. His weaving and dyeing unit employs 60 families from his village. Shamji has been recognized worldwide for his for exhibition quality textiles, but he still puts family traditions, technique and slow, careful skill first.

In addition to its enchanting and playful desert landscape, ancient history and diverse culture, Kuchchh is a region steeped in a rich textile heritage, where artisans have honed their skills over generations, and where warm and lovely people welcome you into their homes.

It's where I started my textile journey!

Material: handwoven in organic kala cotton, a resilient and entirely rain-fed crop indiginenous to Kuchchh, India.

Care: Please wash gently and separately in cold water, using a mild detergent. Do not soak, rub or wring. Drip dry in shade.