Khadi stepped firmly into the fashion spotlight as the Center of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) — established by the Ministry of MSME (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in collaboration with National Institute of Fashion Design (NIFT) — unveiled a compelling showcase curated by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The presentation, part of the ongoing Navyug Khadi initiative to build a fresh, future-forward narrative for the textile, drew an eminent audience. Shri Manoj Kumar, Chairman, KVIC, presided as Chief Guest, alongside Ms. Roop Rashi (CEO, CoEK), Smt. Tanu Kashyap (Director General, NIFT) and Sunil Sethi (Chairman, FDCI).
Set against the beautifully staged amphitheater at the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy, Pragati Maidan, the evening unfolded as an immersive celebration of heritage—where fashion met movement, music, and craftsmanship. A live band crooned soulful Indian classical and Sufi music, as two kathak dancers twirled to the rhythm.
FDCI curated a dynamic edit of contemporary Khadi: fluid saris, modern silhouettes, and innovative upcycled pieces designed by CoEK and handcrafted by Khadi institutions nationwide. The showcase underscored Khadi’s versatility, sustainability, and regional richness while positioning it firmly within a modern, retail-ready aesthetic.
The evening echoed the shared ambition of CoEK, NIFT, and FDCI: to reposition Khadi as an aspirational textile for the next generation while honouring the rural artisans who continue to shape its legacy.
The fashion showcase forms a highlight of the Navyug Khadi exhibition, which runs at the National Crafts Museum until 3 December 2025.
