Cultural Teachings on Slow Living
What is slow living?
Slow living was born out of the slow food movement that emphasizes local and traditional cuisine over fast food.
- A slow approach to everyday life.
- Mindfulness, or being present and aware of your surroundings, as opposed to mindless routine.
- A connection to community.
- A commitment to purpose.
- Knowing that faster isn’t always better.
- Consuming less.
How my mum taught me to live a clutter-free life
There’s a red tin box on my mother’s bedside table with threads in every colour; it’s for when there’s a slight tear in her blouse or sari, or for minor alterations. She doesn’t like to discard things easily; even when a piece of clothing is no longer wearable, she uses it as a kitchen rag and extends its lifespan by another month or two. I’d like to think that frugality is in her DNA. But it’s more than that. She’s from a generation that only had access to slow and sustainable fashion; it’s her default setting to gravitate to the most exquisite and beautiful handcrafted things, even when it means she may have to wait for them as opposed to buying the next thing that’s available.
The ancient wisdom of minimalism
On a recent trip home, I found my parents’ wedding album tucked deep inside one of the desk drawers. In the photos, I noticed my father’s black blazer and blue & red tie - the same attire he wore when he graduated from Imperial College and later, at my sister’s wedding. My mother’s standing next to him; her cheeks pink from excitement and the little rouge she applied herself that morning; the loose end of her golden yellow silk sari with a thick zari border gently draped over her head.
Khara Kapas Spring Summer '19 Trends & Style Tips
Sitting in Khara Kapas Studio today, we are dreaming of clear skies and fields of flowers. Spring - Summer is always special. We feel light, and bright, like the air and the sun. We can finally pick out our favorite canvas, our mul whites, and let the blooming flowers paint us in its hues.
