I hold a professional degree in fashion design and have always been deeply passionate about nature. I decided to channel my skills, passion, and education into slow fashion by launching the brand Kokikar. We aim to provide fashion choices created with natural dyes from spices, herbs, and plants like harad, turmeric, pomegranate, and marigold. Our USP is that we do not overproduce. As the brainchild behind this concept, I spend countless hours testing and creating new colours and designs. Our clothing is not only planet-friendly but also safe for the skin. At Kokikar, we engage and empower women by involving them in our venture, helping them earn a livelihood and become stronger. All our research and products are based on plant dyes and natural fibres, promoting a fully "Made in India" concept. We cater to B2B, B2C, and B2G as well.
Problem: Dumps from the fashion world are a top contributor to landfills, adding to pollution and global warming. Also, the chemicals used in synthetic dyes are causing various skin diseases.
Solution:
1. Non-toxic: Ensures healthy skin.
2. Sustainable: Using renewable resources promotes sustainable practices and reduces reliance on synthetic chemicals. This leads to a greener planet.
3. Cleanliness: Reduction of dumps in landfills.
4. Recycling: Upcycling and recycling of garments.
5. Labor-intensive work: We tend to engage a lot of semi-skilled labour. Since most of the work is done by hand, we bring a lot of employment opportunities to our neighbourhood.
Garments created with natural dyes and eco-printing represent a sustainable and eco-friendly approach to fashion. Natural dyes are derived from plants, minerals, and other organic sources. Common materials include turmeric, indigo, pomegranate, marigold, and harad. The dye is extracted from these materials through various methods such as boiling, soaking, or fermenting. Preparation of Fabric: The fabric, often natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, or wool, is pre-treated (mordanting) with natural substances (like alum or tannins) to fix the dye. The prepared fabric is immersed in the dye solution and allowed to absorb the colour. This process may be repeated to achieve the desired shade. The dyed fabric is then treated to ensure the colour sets and does not fade easily. Then these fabrics are cut and stitched to become trending garments and are sold accordingly.
Our start-up, Kokikar, creates a positive impact in several ways:
Greener Planet: By choosing natural dyes and sustainable practices, we reduce the environmental impact of fashion. Our processes minimize the release of harmful chemicals into the environment, promoting biodiversity and healthier ecosystems.
Reduction of Landfill Waste: At Kokikar, we focus on creating durable, high-quality garments that last longer. This approach helps reduce the amount of clothing that ends up in landfills.
Upcycling and Recycling of Garments: Our design process includes repurposing old garments and textiles, giving them new life, and reducing waste. This not only conserves resources but also adds a unique, creative touch to our collections.
Received Appreciation from ‘Fox Story’ - Among 100 inspiring women
Won ‘IIGF- Gold Trophy’ for Sustainability
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