That's Fair Change.
The world is grey enough. We make it colourful.
Since 2016, Khala stands for fair fashion, the courage to break new ground, even if it is rocky. We make reversible jackets from hemp and organic cotton: fair instead of fast, favourite pieces instead of mass-produced goods, bold instead of conformist.
Each piece tells a story: about the people who sew it, the materials it is made from, and the conviction that fashion can be more than just consumption.
Find out here how our story began and where it is taking us today.
A journey. A question. A reversible jacket.
2016. Mel travels to Malawi, not as a fashion designer, but as a volunteer activist with a question: How can sustainable prosperity be created without relying on donations? The answer comes in the form of colorful Chitenge fabrics. And the idea to turn them into fair trade reversible jackets — two looks, one bomber jacket, one promise. This is how Khala was born.
20 people. An in-house production.
In 2017, our production facility in Malawi opens. The first reversible jackets made of hemp and organic cotton are sewn.
2020. The team grows to 20 people, a small but proud company that worked with great passion.
We believe the biggest hurdles are behind us.
And then the pandemic hit.
Lack of reserves, no possibility for realignment. In 2022, we are closing production in Malawi. It is the most difficult decision in Khala's history.
Rethink, don't quit.
2024. A conversation with Nicole, the founder of DearGoods, changes perspective. Khala doesn't have to end; it can transform.
One thing was certain: If we continued, it would be with hemp.
The most sustainable fiber that hardly anyone wears.
Hemp requires very little water, grows without pesticides, and is extremely durable — perfect for reversible jackets that won't end up in the closet after just one season. Nevertheless, hemp accounts for less than 1% of the global textile industry.
Our sustainable reversible hemp jackets made from organic cotton are our contribution to changing that — ethically produced, durable, and with prints no other label has.
The problem.
High-quality hemp textiles are difficult to source. We checked partners in Turkey, Egypt, Portugal—without success. Hemp accounts for less than 1% of the global textile industry, and very few producers truly master its processing.
Until Robert, founder of HempAge, gave us the decisive tip.
Ethically Made in China.
2025. Robert openly shares his knowledge and recommends his production partner in Shandong, China: Hempfortex, a specialist in hemp textiles for over 20 years, offering fair wages and 70% solar power. A partner who understands hemp like no one else in Europe.
Would we have considered "Khala made in China" three years ago? No. Did we leave our comfort zone? Yes. Was it the right decision? Absolutely.
Sheela joins us.
Since the end of 2025, Sheela Newton has been designing our prints and patterns. For the first time, our jackets feature patterns we designed ourselves.
Khala is now available in selected stores in Berlin, Bremen, Munich, Bern, and Norderney, and online for anyone looking for a fair hemp jacket that truly lasts.
Khala is no longer what it was. It is more.
FAQ – Sustainable Fashion & the Story of Khala
How was Khala founded?
Khala was founded in 2016 by Melanie Rödel after a trip to Malawi with the goal of establishing a fair fashion label. The idea was to develop sustainable fashion that creates jobs and enables economic independence. This led to the creation of the first fairly produced reversible jackets.
Why was production in Malawi shut down?
Khala produced its products in its own production facility in Malawi from 2017 to 2022. However, the pandemic and a lack of financial reserves made continued economic stability impossible. Production was reluctantly discontinued in 2022.
Why is Khala now producing in China?
China is a pioneer in the processing of high-quality hemp textiles. Our partner in Shandong shares our values, operates transparently and sustainably, enabling us to produce our clothing fairly and in an environmentally conscious manner.
Is fashion from China sustainable?
Yes, sustainable fashion from China is possible if it is produced under fair conditions and with sustainable materials.
Khala works with an experienced partner in Shandong who has specialized in hemp textiles for many years and adheres to high social and environmental standards.
What does sustainability mean at Khala?
For Khala, sustainability means creating fashion that is durable, socially responsible, and environmentally friendly. We use natural materials like hemp and organic cotton, ensure fair working conditions throughout the supply chain, and design clothing that becomes cherished, long-lasting pieces.