The exhibition features displays, interactive experiences and curated collections that invite visitors to engage with Khadi’s history, evolution and contemporary potential
Khadi took centre stage in the capital on November 29 as the Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK), set up by the Ministry of MSME in collaboration with the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), unveiled a contemporary fashion showcase under the Navyug Khadi initiative. Curated by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the event set out to reinterpret India’s most iconic fabric for modern audiences while honouring the artisans who continue to power its legacy.
Hosted at the landscaped amphitheatre of the National Crafts Museum & Hastakala Academy at Pragati Maidan, the evening blended fashion with storytelling elements. Dance, live music and performative moments were woven into the presentation, creating an immersive narrative that highlighted Khadi’s evolving identity—from a symbol of heritage to a fabric resonating with contemporary aesthetics and sustainable values.
The event was attended by KVIC Chairman Manoj Kumar as Chief Guest, alongside CoEK CEO Roop Rashi, NIFT Director General Tanu Kashyap and FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi. Their presence underscored the growing institutional commitment to position Khadi not just as a cultural emblem but as a material capable of capturing the imagination of today’s fashion-forward consumers.
On the runway, the showcase revealed a curated mix of modern silhouettes, reimagined saris and upcycled garments developed by CoEK and produced by Khadi institutions across the country. Designers emphasised the adaptability of Khadi—its ability to shift effortlessly between structured forms and fluid drapes, its capacity to absorb regional techniques, and its versatility across seasons and styles. The garments sought to demonstrate Khadi’s appeal not only as a craft textile but also as a fashion-forward, commercially viable fabric.
Central to the presentation was the idea of bridging tradition with innovation. Organisers highlighted that the showcase aligned with CoEK’s broader mission to build a “new narrative” around Khadi—one rooted in sustainability, artisanal livelihoods and contemporary design intervention. By merging heritage with modern sensibilities, the initiative hopes to broaden Khadi’s relevance in everyday wardrobes, luxury fashion and the global movement towards slow, ethical textiles.
The show also aimed to spotlight the rural artisans whose skill remains at the core of Khadi production. By bringing their work into a high-fashion context, the event sought to draw attention to the craft communities behind the fabric and create stronger links between weavers, designers and urban consumers.
The fashion presentation forms part of the ongoing Navyug Khadi exhibition, open at the National Crafts Museum until December 3. The exhibition features displays, interactive experiences and curated collections that invite visitors to engage with Khadi’s history, evolution and contemporary potential. At a time when handcrafted and sustainable textiles are capturing renewed interest among younger consumers, the initiative reinforces Khadi’s place in India’s cultural and fashion landscape.
