Fashion that carries history
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.
How it all began - told by Mel, the founder
In 2016, I traveled to Malawi. There, I realized: I want to found a social business that creates jobs and distributes prosperity from the north to the south – without relying on donations. The colorful chitenge fabrics of Malawi immediately captivated me. It quickly became clear: it would be a ethical fashion label. I'm neither a fashion designer nor a textile expert, but a psychologist and economist. Some business knowledge helped, but the rest had to come through learning by doing and the dedication of many wonderful people.
In 2017, we were able to open our production facility and sew our first reversible jackets. Over the years, our team grew to 20 people plus many volunteers—a small but proud company that worked with great passion. In 2020, we were finally able to pay our first salaries in Germany and felt we had overcome the biggest hurdles. Until then—as you might have guessed—the global pandemic hit.
Challenges
We lacked the financial reserves to realign ourselves and remain competitive online. Malawi made things even more complicated. In 2022, we had to close our production with a heavy heart. At first, it was clear: Khala would be history. It was neither conceivable nor feasible to continue without Malawi. My heart and our DNA were too deeply intertwined with Malawi. At the same time, I realized that I wasn't ready to give up completely.
Restart
In 2024, a conversation with the founder of DearGoods inspired me to rethink Khala. I slowly accepted that while the Malawi chapter was over, that didn't mean Khala's story had to end.
The crucial hint
It was clear: no more in-house production, but a partner who shares our values , delivers high quality and has experience with hemp textiles.
Then came the crucial tip from Robert, founder of HempAge. One of the most authentic people in the fashion world I've ever met. Although we didn't know each other, he openly shared his knowledge with me. He told me about their partner for over 15 years: a production facility in China that embodies their values and processes hemp to the highest standards.
At first I thought: China? That doesn't suit us. But Robert's experience convinced me
Hemp – Fiber of the Future
We were already working with hemp fabrics in Malawi. I wanted to expand on that, as hemp is one of the most sustainable fibers in the world:
- it requires significantly less water than cotton,
- grows almost anywhere like a weed without pesticides,
- and is extremely durable and long-lasting.
In short: perfect for our reversible jackets. Despite all these advantages, hemp accounts for less than 1% of the textile industry. China is the leading producer. Nevertheless, we explored other options: Turkey, Egypt, Portugal – tried everything, without success.
Ethically produced in China
If someone had told me a few years ago that we would one day be producing in China, I wouldn't have believed it. Khala made in China – I still have to get used to that, because my first association certainly isn't fair and sustainable fashion. Personally, I find that exciting: I have to leave my mental comfort zone to make new experiences possible. The prejudices run deep. Nevertheless, it feels right. The next chapter of Khala is now being written in collaboration with our partner in Shandong – fair, sustainable, and on equal terms.
Khala 2026
Our team is growing again. Since the end of last year, Sheela Newton has been designing our new prints and cuts. For the first time, we're not just printing on hemp, but designing our prints ourselves. The first 'Moongarden' reversible jackets arrived in February. Step by step we are finding our way back and are happy that you are with us.
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.