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Vaishali Shadangule Showcased ‘Handloom Couture' for the Ministry of Textiles on National Handloom Day
On National Handloom Day, Vaishali Shadangule paid tribute to India's weaving heritage with 'NAAD – The Sound of the Looms', blending couture, craft, and live artisan performances.
Vaishali Shadangule Presented 'Handloom Couture' for the Ministry of Textiles on National Handloom Day
On National Handloom Day, internationally acclaimed couturier Vaishali Shadangule became the only Indian designer to present a 'handloom couture' showcase for the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, with 'NAAD – The Sound of the Looms." The retrospective paid tribute to India's weavers, whose painstaking craftsmanship can take months to create a single garment, and highlighted the country's rich textile heritage on a global stage.
Graced by Maharani of Baroda Radhika Raje Gaekwad, Dr. M Beena (Development Commissioner for Handlooms), and Smt. Neelam Shami Rao (Secretary of Textiles), the show featured 52 couture looks, larger-than-life textile installations, and live weaving by artisans — symbolically intertwining tradition with contemporary couture. ISVARI Jalandhar Jewellery House paired its heirloom 'artisanal edit,' each piece taking over 1,000 man-hours, with Vaishali S's silhouettes.
Dr. M Beena noted, 'Handloom has been an integral part of India's rural livelihood, providing employment to over 35 lakh weavers and workers. Over 70% are women, making it vital from a social, economic, and gender lens. Vaishali's showcase is a step towards adapting these traditions for global markets."
Vaishali S said, 'We showed the world that this work is made in India, not abroad. It is art, not just craft — hundreds of hours of handwork, 100% sustainable, and rooted in unique skills passed down for generations. Our mission is to put India on the global couture map."
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ISVARI's Manik Jain added, 'These pieces use an ancient Indian craft exclusive to us. Every design takes over 1,000 man-hours because of the intricate Pichai work that makes jewellery flexible. We are bringing back heritage techniques into a contemporary space."
Since 2001, Vaishali S has supported over 3,500 weaving families and explored more than 15 weaving techniques from states including Assam, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka. Through her showcases and Paris store, she continues to champion sustainable luxury and elevate Indian handlooms on the world stage.
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