From Weaving magic with bamboo yarn: Widely touted for its strength, soft texture and unrivalled moisture wicking capabilities, bamboo fabrics have become the latest trend in sustainable fashion the world over. In Sri Lanka, Kandygs have initiated and brought in the concept of sustainable fashion, through the introduction of bamboo fabrics.
Stepping into Kandygs last week on a gloomy evening, I was instantly cheered by the vibrant colours that greeted me, and I must admit, there is no better feeling in the world than to wrap yourself in a luxurious bamboo fabric that breathes with your skin.
The bamboo fabrics, known for its luxurious feeling on the skin, is soft like cashmere and shines like silk, and is perfect for our climate as it is permeable and breathes actively thereby cooling the body. What’s more amazing about this fabric is the fact that it does not stick to the body, but holds its shape well.
This week we speak to Anuradha Yahampath of Kandygs about the recently concluded exhibition featuring bamboo fabrics, and Kandygs involvement in bringing bamboo fabrics to the local market and the rural weavers. Anuradha Yahampath, qualified in Textile Design from University of Leeds, works as a designer at Kandygs which was started off by her parents Sita and Felix Yahampath 40 years ago.
“My parents started with just 10 handlooms, and now we work with around 300 people,” she says adding that they now export to many countries the world over. Speaking about the designs and the vibrant colours that are being used at Kandygs for their handlooms, she explains, “We work on the colours for the yarn we use for weaving, the structures and the colour co-ordinations for the fabric, also the end product and the shapes.”
It is clear that a lot of work go into their designs especially when it is intended for the export market as they have to research on colour forecasts and market requirements. “Today the handloom products have to fit into a niche market, therefore the design aspect is very important.”
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