Khaadi - A blend of traditional and funky trends

Hand woven fabric and tapestries are an intrinsic part of the Pakistani culture but times changed and so did the trends. Hand weaving was replaced by machine work and somewhere along the way, that charm of adorning one`s house and one`s own self with hand woven fabric was lost. With the opening of Khaadi in 1998, this tradition was revived, and since then, Khaadi has made a mark in the market with its unique products and use of exquisite colors and textures, making it the most sought after brand in Pakistan.

Stores
Khaadi currently has 9 outlets in three major cities of Pakistan; Lahore, Islamabad and Karachi.  Simple yet exquisitely designed wooden floors and light colored walls, give an earthy feel that brings the traditional feel of the hand woven fabrics and home decor back to life. The interior has been minimally furnished to highlight the wide array of products that would have been otherwise lost in a dark and overwhelming interior. While most clothing items are hanged in an orderly manner, there is some stuff that you would find lying on the shelves and talking from experience, that “stuff” ,whether its garments  or accessories , is better than the ones on display. All the outlets are organized and divided into sections, which makes it easier and convenient for customers to shop.

Product Range
Khaadi Men as the name implies is a clothing line for men that consist of clothes for all occasions. Whether it’s your kid sister`s mehndi or a basant party with your friends, you can express yourself with neutral, earthy or bright coloured Kurtas and Shalwas Kameez and stand out in the crowd.

Khaadi Women is a major reason for Khaadi`s rise to fame. With a diverse selection of stitched and unstitched fabrics, you are sure to stumble upon something that suites your personality and makes you the envy of every woman. Both long and short Kurtas are perfect for a girl`s night out and the unstitched three piece suites are just what you need to go to that formal dinner party that your colleague had been bragging about for months.

Accessorize your outfits with beaded slippers and chunky jewellery to further add charm to your outfit. Hand woven scarves are available in every color you could possibly imagine which makes it easier for you to mix and match and create a brand new look .Grab a bag from the highly trendy range of bags available and you are good to go!

Home accessories, ranging from cushion covers to table runners are available in different colors and designs but what they all have in common is their earthy and traditional look that appeals to the senses and makes you want to fill your house with Khaadi`s home accessories. The most widely sold item in this regard are the table runners made from straws and adorned with wooden buttons, ribbons and other nick knacks.

Price Range
Kurtas at Khaadi more or less fall into the price range of Rs 1000 to Rs 20,000 if you are going out of your way to buy something really trendy, while unstitched fabric for women starts from Rs 3000 and as the pot gets richer, so does the price on the tag. Accessories vary in prices. You could find a bag that costs Rs. 500, while only a shelf away, you might end up liking a clutch that costs around Rs.1000. Beaded slippers fall into the same price range while jewellery costs a whooping Rs.1500 and more. As far as the home décor items are concerned, you would find stuff starting from Rs.500 and ending at Rs6000. So there is not really a specific price range that we can quote.

 Summary

THE GOOD: Intricate designs and skillfully embroidered fabrics are what you`d get at Khaadi. Add to it, an array of colors and a hint of modern design and you have the perfect attire for all occasions.
 

THE BAD: The price range makes it difficult for everyone to shop at Khaadi and therefore, it caters to only a certain class of people who can afford to spend thousands of rupees on a Kurta, no matter how beautiful or unique.
 

THE BOTTOM LINE: Khaadi is a not just a store for hand woven fabric but a stepping stone in the revival of our long lost traditions. The prices might be a bit high but what Khaadi has to offer, is unique and exclusive. Therefore, in my point of view, it’s okay to pamper yourself every now and then by shopping at Khaadi because it’s the only place where you`ll find a fusion of tradition and modernism.

By Mehroz Sajjad