Kurta Shirt Dress indigo
$1,280.00
As seen in Vogue, Vogue Business, and T Magazine.
This shirt dress was inspired by the traditional kurtas worn by men in India -- narrow through the chest and cut slimmer for the female silhouette. I wear it while riding tuk-tuks across Varanasi and Rishikesh.
The soft organic cotton fiber comes straight from the mountains -- pure, undyed, and unadulterated. It is the closest thing to being wrapped in nature all day long.
The soft hand-woven cloth is lightweight, airy and breathable. The hand-sewn French seams follow the curves of the body for a cozy feel.
Fabric knot buttons fit elegantly through hand-embroidered button-holes. The fabric selvedge runs down the front placket, to remind you it's the real handwoven stuff.
Dyed in natural indigo six times over two weeks to achieve a deep saturation. As an herbal medicine, indigo is a natural antiseptic and cooling on the skin. Farmers wear indigo-dyed clothing in the fields because it repels insects and mosquitos.
Pair with sandals or white sneakers for hopping around the city.
Style 01241
Non-stretch fabric.
Fits true to size, take your normal size. For a looser fit, take the next size up.
Those with broad shoulders may take the next size up.
Model is 175 cm/5'9" and is wearing a size Small.
S = size 4 (US)
M = size 6 - 8 (US)
L = size 8 - 10 (US)
Ingredients:
100% native seed cotton
We use natural off-white cotton that is grown by the village artisans using organic farming practices.
Native cotton seed can actually grow during a drought. Not to be confused with the water-thirsty GMO cotton seed invented 30 years ago that now makes up 99.4% of cotton production globally.
TIME REQUIRED TO MAKE EACH GARMENT:
Growing cotton: 4 months
Preparing cotton: 3 days
Hand-spinning: 5 days
Setting up loom: 1 weeks
Hand-weaving: 3 - 5 days
Finishing fabric: 3 days
Dyeing fabric: 2 - 14 days
Cutting fabric: 1 days
Sewing: 3 - 9 days
Washing: 2 days
TOTAL = 5 - 6 MONTHS
Seed-to-sewing in a 30-mile radius:
Hand-spun
Hand-woven
Hand-sewn
Hand-dyed
No chemicals
No fossil fuels
No electricity
No GMO
Artisans paid a living wage
Each piece was beaten with a wooden mallet to make the fabric extra soft and drapey. It will continue to get softer with each wash.
NATURAL WHITES:
Don't be afraid of wearing off-white. Since no chemicals were used, the fabric retains the natural oils of the cotton plant. Dirt and stains easily roll off when washed, just like a white poodle after a doggie bath.
1) Hand-wash cold, line dry, or
2) Machine-wash in mesh bag, line dry
DYED COLORS:
Natural dyes will fade and become more beautiful over time. It is similar to how dark blue jeans will lighten with each washing.
For a faded patina effect:
Hand-wash cold, line dry
To keep the original color:
Dry-clean only
IRONING:
Natural fibers will wrinkle. This shows that it is not blended with any synthetic fibers.
Our garments should be ironed using the highest setting (HOT) with steam.