Textiles can sadly be a force for destruction, as we are witnessing today. Statistics, presented by Ellen MacArthur Foundation, show that if the present trend continues, the textile industry will add 22 million tons of microfibres to the ocean, will have a 26% share of the carbon budget and consume 300 million tons of oil by 2050. If we act now – this can change – textile can become a force for good. Nature has the answers – we just need to listen to them.
An amazing array of fibres and dyes – and ways of using them for fabric in less harmful ways. Good for the environment, great for the global community of artisans and friendly for your skin. The Festival of Natural Fibres is encouraging a gentle call to action: inform yourself, socialise, organise, collaborate and experience. Learn about natural fibres, fabrics and ethical living, network, experience a new craft and discover traditional processes.
The Festival of Natural Fibres takes place at Craft Central, a stunning venue for events and craft studios on the Isle of Dogs, London. The festival is being organised by the Khadi Initiative and facilitated by Freeweaver SAORI Studio.
An exhibition will be on display between 5th and 9th of September, 2018. It features a photo essay depicting the history, philosophy and benefits of khadi, India’s heritage fabric - the hand spun and hand woven fabric used effectively by Gandhi for resistance to colonial economic power. The exhibition gives a glimpse of how khadi and handwoven are made and highlights of Gandhi’s visit to England in 1931 to show solidarity with the textile workers of Lancashire.
The main event is on the 8th September and will feature ethical stalls, talks and panel discussions with industry professionals and craft demos and workshops. The talks and panel discussions will also be led by industry professionals. Speakers include Christa Suter, the CEO of bioRe Foundation, set up by Remei AG, a sustainable fashion company based in Switzerland as a part of its quest for a sustainable supply chain. The foundation supports organic cotton farmers in India and Tanzania.
Kapil Shah of Jatan Trust and Shailini Seth Amin, of Moral Fibre Fabrics will be attending the event. Kapil Shah has been a crusader for organic farming and promoter of ‘science with ecological and social concerns’ for over 30 years and plays an important policy making role for developing viable alternatives to the use of GM seeds. Shailini has made significant contributions towards developing viable models for low carbon, low water use technologies for textile production. Her company supplies khadi to 22 countries globally. Her clients include, an Oscar winning costume designer, Jacqueline Durran.
