Cottedge began with the fabrics of my childhood and my desire to share them.

Growing up in India in the 80s and 90s, there were very limited tasteful ready to wear options. If I wanted something beautiful, I had to choose fabric and go to a tailor. My mom and I would select textiles, talk through sleeve lengths and necklines, and wait days or weeks for the finished piece. Clothing felt personal because it was customized. It was not disposable.

I grew up wearing a lot of block printed cotton. Block printing is a traditional technique where repeated motifs are hand stamped onto fabric using hand carved wooden blocks. One of my favorites was block printed Kota Doria fabric. Kota Doria comes from the town of Kota in Rajasthan and is famous for its delicate checkered pattern, translucent texture, and breathability. I often took my mom’s old Kota sarees and turned them into kurtas, simple tunic tops that felt easy and beautiful.

Chikankari embroidery is another strong memory. It involves delicate and intricate hand embroidery using white thread on a variety of lightweight fabrics such as cotton, muslin, silk, or organza. It is one of the most famous and exquisite forms of thread work practiced in India, passed down through generations of artisans in Lucknow and other regions of India. When my mom visited family in Lucknow, she brought back Chikan kurtas and tops. In the 90s, before online shopping, these pieces were not easy to find, and they felt special. 

When I started Cottedge, I naturally returned to these textiles: block printed cotton, Kota Doria, and Chikankari. I began with simple silhouettes inspired by what I had worn for years. I did not overthink it and started with what felt familiar.

As the brand grew, I discovered other handloom textiles that expanded my perspective. One of my favorites is Kala cotton from Kutch. Kala cotton is an indigenous, rain fed cotton variety that has been grown in the region for generations. It remains a pure native strain and is not genetically modified. It thrives in arid conditions with very little rainfall, making it naturally drought resistant and highly water efficient. Beyond its environmental benefits, I love its nubby texture and the way the fabric feels.

Around the same time, I began working with vintage Kantha quilts made from layers of old saris stitched together over the years. I see the history in them, the fading, the fraying, the small hand repairs. Turning these quilts into jackets, pants, and skirts has become one of my favorite parts of this journey. Each one is different, so every piece is truly one of a kind.

Moving forward, I would like to continue working with Kala cotton, other handwoven fabrics, and vintage textiles. I am always exploring textiles that feel thoughtful and distinctive, but the classic block prints and childhood favorites are here to stay. 

In a world driven by fast fashion and instant gratification, working with handloom textiles and small batches slows me down. It makes me respect the fabric, honor the artisans, and design around what already exists instead of rushing to produce something new.

At the end of the day, I simply love textiles. Through Cottedge, I love sharing the textiles I grew up with and the craft techniques behind them. I really enjoy turning them into easy, wearable pieces that people can live in and make their own.