Behind the Fabrics – Whakato

Behind the Fabrics

At Whakato, every fabric is chosen closely and consciously. We work with materials that respect the land, honour craft, and align with our belief in slow, responsible fashion.

Lotus Silk

Lotus Silk is a rare, plant-based textile crafted from the delicate fibers of the Nelumbo nucifera lotus stem. Unlike traditional silk, which is harvested from silkworms, lotus silk is vegan, biodegradable, and completely free from animal exploitation

Calotropis

Calotropis is an emerging natural fiber sourced from the resilient Calotropis plant, also known as milkweed. These fibers, found in both the pod and stem of the Calotropis plant, possess insulating properties comparable to high-end wool fibers, such as alpaca and angora. Notably, the hollow structure of these fibers contributes to their excellent thermal performance, making them a perfect alternative for warm wool fibers.

Kalacotton

Kala Cotton is a heritage cotton variety indigenous to the Kutch region of India, part of an ancient textile legacy that predates modern industrial cotton. Grown on rain-fed fields without pesticides or chemical fertilisers, it represents one of the purest forms of cotton still cultivated today.