- My Journey with Khadi
I am Ashish Satyavrat Sahu, widely known as the 'Khadiwala Designer.' I am a fashion designer, entrepreneur, and a passionate advocate for authentic Indian Khadi. I founded a Khadi Mark-certified ready-to-wear clothing brand with the vision of creating contemporary fashion while preserving the heritage of India's handspun and handwoven textile traditions.
I Eat Khadi, I Drink Khadi, I think Khadi, and I live Khadi.
— Ashish Satyavrat Sahu
I graduated in Fashion Design from the National Institute of Fashion Technology, where I studied from 2011 to 2015. I began my professional journey with Ritu Kumar and worked there as a fashion designer for two years. The experience gave me valuable exposure to the fashion industry, but my deep connection with Khadi eventually inspired me to dedicate my entire career to this iconic Indian fabric.
For me, Khadi is not merely a textile. It is an art form, a philosophy, and a way of life. I have been deeply attracted to the beauty, simplicity, and cultural significance of Khadi since my college days. Over time, this connection became my life's purpose. This lifelong commitment influences every garment I create and every story I share through my brand.
My contributions to sustainable and craft-based fashion have earned recognition through several prestigious honours, including Vogue Honours, the DLF Emporio Design Award, the TFI Design Award, and the Tassel Design Award. My work has also been recognised by the Honourable Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi Ji.
Unlike many fashion entrepreneurs, I am not driven by rapidly changing technology or trends. I am most comfortable communicating in Hindi, and I find my greatest inspiration in India's rural lifestyle, traditional knowledge systems, village industries, artisans, and cultural heritage. My creative process is rooted in observation, travel, and meaningful engagement with craft communities. Every garment I create carries the knowledge of an artisan, the character of authentic Khadi, and a story connected to India's cultural heritage.
Today, my vision extends far beyond creating clothing. I want to take authentic Indian Khadi to the global stage while helping consumers understand its true value, history, and unique production ecosystem. Only a limited number of brands in India possess Khadi Mark certification. Through my brand, I strongly advocate for authenticity, transparency, and respect for the artisan-led supply chain behind every piece of genuine Khadi.
One of my long-term dreams is to undertake a "Khadi Yatra"—a journey across India and the world to educate people about authentic Khadi, the work of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission, the role of certified Khadi institutions, and the social impact created by village industries. Through this journey, I hope to bridge the gap between rural producers and global consumers. I want people to understand not only how Khadi is made, but also the artisans, skills, communities, and traditions that give it life.
For me, Khadi is not simply a part of India's past. It is a living cultural legacy with the power to create a more conscious, sustainable, and responsible future. My mission is simple yet ambitious: to make authentic Khadi relevant for future generations and establish it as a globally respected symbol of sustainable, ethical, and culturally rooted fashion.