Dilip Guha ★ Sasraya News, New Delhi : The Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), in association with the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), hosted a stunning fashion show featuring an exquisite collection of Khadi ensembles and saris designed by the CoEK on Saturday, 29th Nov 2025, at the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi. The fashion show was curated by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The event aimed to celebrate the perfect blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design, showcasing the versatility and appeal of Khadi. This was yet another impactful initiative to promote Khadi; the CoEK presented a compelling showcase reaffirming its commitment to championing indigenous textiles styled for contemporary consumers, encouraging visitors to shop directly from participating Khadi Institutions.
Navyug Khadi is a presentation by the Centre of Excellence for Khadi, established by the Ministry of MSME in collaboration with the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) at NIFT, to contribute to the design element of the developmental support extended to Khadi stakeholders.
Inspired by the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of “Khadi for Nation, Khadi for Fashion,” the event spotlighted Khadi as a fabric deeply rooted in India’s heritage and equally relevant to contemporary fashion.
The day began with an interactive Khadi workshop, complementing with the exhibition Navyug Khadi, visitors participated in hands-on workshops on hand spinning, sari draping, and natural dyeing, with its theme “Building a New Narrative”, Navyug Khadi stood as a milestone in the evolution of khadi—merging innovation with heritage, design with tradition, and artisans with a new generation of conscious consumers.
After that, the evening transitioned into a vibrant fashion showcase, featuring Khadi ensembles. The collection skilfully blended craftsmanship with innovation, reflecting the versatility of Khadi and its evolution into a contemporary style statement.
The Centre of Excellence for Khadi presented an assorted collection of khadi ensembles that celebrated both traditional craftsmanship and modern design.
Woven with patience, spun with purpose, and cherished for generations, khadi continued to embody the spirit of self-reliance and conscious living. Each strand carried the legacy of India’s freedom movement, the artistry of rural weavers, and a commitment to sustainable craftsmanship that has been gaining global recognition. Saris woven by various Khadi institutions were showcased, including the Mekhla Chador from Assam, the Bawan Buti from Bihar, the Ikat from Odisha, and the silk sari from Karnataka.
The apparel collection featured jackets, dresses, trousers, and layered silhouettes that offered a contemporary interpretation of khadi. The fabrics were sourced from Khadi institutions, with traditional artisans contributing value-added craftsmanship.
The showcase also included the Katran collection, created through thoughtful upcycling of leftover fabrics. Small remnants were transformed into expressive, one-of-a-kind pieces, underscoring the beauty of resourceful design and reinforcing a commitment to mindful, sustainable creativity. an evening where tradition walks hand in hand with style, where heritage takes centre stage, and where every thread tells a story. The showcase, curated by FDCI, brought together innovation and tradition, proving that slow fashion could be bold, elegant, and endlessly modern. Each garment on display was woven with authenticity, shaped by imagination, and inspired by a legacy that continued to empower. Audiences sat back, opened their hearts to the rhythm of the charkhas, and joined in honouring the fabric that had stitched together India’s past, present, and future.
The evening was further enriched by the enthralling performance of the exceptionally talented members of the NIFT Music Society, Rang, whose artistry infused vibrancy and soul into the celebration. The distinguished guests and audience were deeply appreciated for their presence, enthusiasm, and continued support in championing sustainable Indian textiles. Their encouragement reaffirms the enduring importance of Khadi and other heritage fabrics in shaping a future that honours tradition while embracing innovation.
A highlight of the event was that all the designs were specially styled to encourage visitors to shop from the Khadi institutions retailing at Navyug Khadi.
A spokesperson said the collection showcased at the event is available at Navyug Khadi, making it easier for fashion enthusiasts to get their hands on these stunning pieces. Visitors are invited to indulge in the warmth and elegance of Khadi – a timeless fabric that continues to weave magic across generations. For those seeking unique, sustainable, and stylish clothing options, Khadi stands unmatched. With its rich history, eco-friendly production process, and remarkable versatility, Khadi becomes the perfect choice for anyone wishing to make a statement while uplifting local artisans. At Navyug Khadi, visitors can discover the true beauty of this heritage textile and experience its enduring charm firsthand.
Empowering Artisans, Enriching Lives: The event was not just a fashion show, but a celebration of the skilled artisans and weavers who work tirelessly to create these beautiful fabrics. By promoting Khadi, FDCI aims to empower these artisans and contribute to the preservation of India’s rich textile heritage.
The show was a testament to the enduring charm of Khadi, with designs that catered to diverse tastes and preferences. From elegant saris to stylish ensembles, the collection was a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary elements. The best part was that these designs are styled to be worn by everyone, making Khadi more accessible and inclusive.
The Khadi Village Industries Commission (KVIC) provides end-to-end facilitative support to Khadi Institutions from raw material to retail sales, effectively connecting Farm to Fibre to Fashion through our traditional skills of Hand spinning and Hand weaving.
The objective of the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) is to help Khadi Institutions (KIs) to effectively design, produce, and market high-quality differentiated Khadi products in the Indian and global markets. CoEK is a Centre for experimentation, innovation, and design for khadi fabrics, apparel, accessories, and home fashions. The mantra of Hon’ble Prime Minister, “Khadi for Nation; Khadi for Fashion and Khadi for Transformation,” is a guiding light for CoEK.
This landmark event was a collaborative initiative of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). The National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy graciously provided the space for the Navyug Khadi exhibition and Fashion Show to celebrate innovation in heritage textiles and contemporary design.
The event was graced by Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman – Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), who attended as the Chief Guest, lending his support to the collaborative vision of promoting Khadi among newer generations. Ms Roop Rashi, CEO-KVIC, was also present on the occasion, whose encouragement and collaboration made this event possible.
Mr Sunil Sethi, Advisor to KVIC and President of FDCI, masterfully orchestrated this spectacular showcase. With the dedicated support of his team of coordinators, choreographers, and models, Khadi was unveiled in a strikingly contemporary and inspiring light—reaffirming its timeless relevance and enduring charm.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, remarked at a media gathering after the show, “Khadi represents the soul of India. Through this platform, we aim to engage young designers with the fabric’s rich history and help them envision its place in the global fashion narrative.”
This Khadi Show at National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy served as a meaningful convergence of tradition, youth, and innovation—carrying forward the message that Khadi is not just a fabric of the past but one that shapes the future.
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