The genesis of the robe

The origin of the academic dress (convocation dress), which includes the robe, the hood, and the classical cap, can be traced back to the universities of Europe in medieval times. The Stole-robe, explicitly designed for the student of ADYPU, combines Western academic attire and Indian free-flowing draped garments.

It uses rich fabrics like Mashru, traditionally woven in Gujarat, and Ghicha silk, hand-woven, and hand-spun Khadi silk.

While Mashru is a mixed fabric characterized by a smooth silk surface and a soft cotton backing that requires very high skills of the weaver and is time-consuming, the production of materials such as Mashru is a dying handloom technique because of industrialization and the widespread use of the power loom.

Ghicha silk embodies the Gandhian philosophy, as Khadi is not just a cloth but a whole movement to promote self-reliance and indigenous skills, crafts, and textiles.

The use of Khadi or any hand-woven fabric instills a sense of self-respect and helps contribute to the development of the Indian economy.