As a lead-up to National Handloom Day 2025, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in collaboration with India Art Fair’s Young Collectors’ Programme presented a powerful exhibition titled “Re-imagining A Way Back to Us: Contemporary Indigenous Fashion and Textiles in India” at the Innovation Gallery, Textile Gallery II of the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi.
The exhibition was inaugurated by Smt. Neelam Shammi Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. Smt. Amrit Raj (Development Commissioner, Handicrafts), Shri Rohit Kansal (Additional Secretary). Also in attendance were key dignitaries from the Ministry of Textiles including Dr. M. Beena (Development Commissioner, Handlooms),Shri Asit Gopal (AS & FA), Smt. Padmini Singla ( Joint Secretary) , Smt. Shubhra (Trade Advisor), Smt. Tanu Kashyap (Director General, NIFT) , Dr. Noopur Anand (Dean (Academic), NIFT) and Col. Manoj Rana (Senior Director, National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy).
The immersive installation features the work of cutting-edge design labels: 2112 Saldon (Ladakh), 7Weaves (Assam), Boito (Odisha), Bun.Kar Bihar (Bihar), Erode (Tamil Nadu), Johargram (Jharkhand), Kiniho (Meghalaya), and Tega Collective in collaboration with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra (Karnataka).
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI said, “This exhibition is a tribute to the evolving language of Indian textiles and fashion. The Innovation Gallery was conceptualized as a space where craft meets innovation, and through these periodic installations, we aim to bring forth untold stories of regional artisans and celebrate the living heritage that defines our identity. I am deeply grateful to Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, for her continued support; to the India Art Fair for their meaningful collaboration; and to the entire team of National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. This coming together of art, fashion, and culture not only honors our textile legacy but sets the stage for future cultural innovation.”
Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair, said, “We at India Art Fair are deeply grateful for the incredible collaboration with FDCI and the ever-inspiring Sunil Sethi, whose generosity and vision made this partnership at the Crafts Museum possible. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Ministry of Textiles for their unwavering support in celebrating and promoting Indigenous Fashion. This meaningful coming together of art, craft, and design reflects our shared commitment to India’s cultural heritage, and we sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a long-term and impactful relationship between our organisations.”
