In episode 26 of the Impact India podcast, I chat with Shradha Kochhar, a knitwear designer, textile artist, and the co-founder of LOTA India.

Shradha’s work combines sustainability and craftsmanship, and although based in New Delhi, is being recognized globally for her talent. Her latest works were seen at London Fashion Week 2019, which featured her knitted ‘khadi’ fabric, using Kala cotton, and knitted sweaters for the ASHISH AW19 collection.

LOTA India is an exploration into the intersection of sustainability, fashion, and visual identity, creating a parallel economy to the mainstream fashion model. LOTA aims to give a new life to the thousands of tonnes of fabric waste that are discarded every hour by the mainstream fashion industry.

In this episode, Shradha and I dive into:

The history of Kala Cotton and its connection to colonization
Changing the beauty standards in South Asia by creating “virtual models”
The connection between mental health and the art of making by hand

Connect with Shradha at shoplota.com and on Instagram @shradhakochhar and @lotaindia.

“There is a need to recolonize design and art...and reclaim what works for our country, our land, and our farmers.”

Listen to more Causeartist podcast here.

We are powered by:

Impact Recipe – Affordable Software Development for Nonprofits and Social Enterprises

Decolonizing Design and Innovating Textiles with Shradha Kochhar of LOTA India