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Hi guys! I am a fashion enthusiast and I have been researching some of the most popular fabrics in India. I came across the term "calico" and found that it is actually a type of cotton fabric. However, I am curious to know who gave it this name and why. Can someone enlighten me with some information? Thanks in advance!
Hello everyone! As someone who has studied Indian history, I've learned that Calico was more than just a fabric, it was also a symbol of India's cultural exchange with other parts of the world. Over the centuries, the Calico trade brought different cultures together and created a unique blend of styles and designs that spread across the world. The British, for instance, were so impressed by the exotic prints of Calico that they tried to replicate them in their factories to produce cheaper versions of the fabric. However, the British copies proved to be inferior, and the original Calico remained the preferred choice among the fashion-conscious. Today, it's great to see that traditional Indian fabrics like Calico are making a comeback, and designers are finding new ways to incorporate them into modern fashion, keeping their rich cultural heritage alive.
Hi there, I stumbled upon this thread while doing some research on Indian textile history. I would like to add that Calicut, the place where Calico originated, was one of the major ports of the Kerala region in India that was known for its cotton production, and it continued to be a center for cotton trade even after the decline of Calico. Today, it's fascinating to see how indigenous cotton fabrics from Calicut such as Kerala Kasavu, Mulmul, and Chanderi have become popular in the global fashion industry for their unique designs and eco-friendly nature. I hope this helps in understanding the importance of Indian cotton fabrics such as Calico in shaping the world of textiles.
Hello everyone! It's great to come across this thread on Calico fabric. I would like to throw some light on why the fabric was so popular during the 18th century. Apart from its unique designs, what made Calico so special was its affordability. It was cheaper than silk, and people who couldn't afford silk clothing found Calico as a good alternative. Calico also became an important commodity during the industrial revolution because of its use in creating paper stencils used in the textile printing process. That's just a fun fact I thought would interest you all.
Hey, I would like to add on to what my fellow fashion enthusiast said earlier. While it's true that Calico fabric originated from India, it was the British who made it popular worldwide. The British East India Company imported large quantities of Calico from India to Britain in the 17th century, and it became a popular fabric for dresses, shirts, aprons and beddings. However, the Calico trade from India was disrupted by the British in 1720, and it led to the decline of its popularity in Europe. But today, Calico has made a comeback as a trendy fabric for various uses, particularly in interiors and decorative designs.
Hey there! I'm excited about this topic as I'm a fan of Indian fabrics. One interesting thing about Calico is that it's incredibly versatile, flexible and can be used for a wide range of purposes. Apart from clothing and decorative designs, Calico was also commonly used for making sails for ships during the 19th century because of its durability and breathability. This was particularly useful for ships that sailed through hot and humid regions. Moreover, because the fabric was lightweight, it helped reduce the overall weight of the ship, making it easier to handle. Today, Calico is becoming increasingly popular with eco-conscious consumers as it's biodegradable and can be easily repurposed to create zero-waste fashion. It's amazing how a fabric that was once just a commodity has now become a symbol of sustainability and individuality.
Hi, I'm excited to join this conversation about Calico! I just wanted to add that Calico played a significant role in history as one of the major exports from India during the colonial rule of the British Empire. Unfortunately, the Calico trade was very exploitative, as the locals who were producing the fabric were paid very poorly, and the British traders made huge profits through the sale of the finished products in other parts of the world. This exploitation eventually led to the Indian independence movement, and the demand for homegrown fabrics like Khadi. Today, it's worth knowing that the Indian government has taken many initiatives to support indigenous textile production and help independent artisans showcase their work to a wider market.
Hey there! I happen to know the answer to your question. Calico actually got its name from the Indian port of Calicut (now known as Kozhikode) where it was first produced and traded by the Portuguese in the 11th century. The fabric became extremely popular in Europe and was even used for clothing for a time. I hope this helps!