Somya Lochan collaborates with Khamir on handwoven line, promotes portable spinning wheel

By

Isabelle Crossley

Published
Feb 6, 2023

Designer Somya Lochan has collaborated with craft conservation NGO Khamir to launch a line of clothing. The Khamir X Somya Lochan collection is made as a vehicle to revive the use of the peti charkha, a portable spinning wheel. 

The Khamir X Somya Lochan features shirts, dresses, and three-meter-long Izar, which are inspired by traditions from Kachchh, according to Khamir’s Facebook page. All clothing in the line is spun using the peti charkha and this has had a knock-on effect of bringing the once forgotten tool back into use. 

“Just like everyone, I grew up with dreams of Bombay and the glamorous fashion world but we don’t talk enough about these craftsmen carrying the heritage of India on their backs,” Lochan told Vogue India about the ethos behind her work. “It was only when I started working in the craft sector I realised how alienated we are from our artists. It seems like the wild west of fashion but it’s not that difficult to engage with textiles. I love what I do and I am ready for the challenge thrown at me by my work.”

Lochan graduated from the National Institute of Fashion Technology in Bengaluru and has since worked with brands including FabIndia, Nappa Dori, and Raw Mango. Later this year, Lochan plans to launch her own brand and creative platform, which will be named Quarter.