LFW ’25 just made one thing clear—India’s age-old craftsmanship is back, and it’s bolder than ever. Following the live showcase featuring Kutch’s artisans under the banner of Somaiya Kala Vidya, the centuries-deep crafts are being redefined with a fresh, global perspective. Let’s delve into the work of some visionaries leading this cultural renaissance.
Kutch artisans at LFW X FDCI ‘25
Ritu Kumar
Few names are as synonymous with the resurrection of India’s handloom heritage as Ritu Kumar. For over four decades, she has championed traditional fabrics and techniques like Matka silk, handwoven Bhagalpuri and intricate hand-block prints, reinterpreting them for today’s fashion landscape. In 2016, her ‘Banaras Revival Project’ turned attention back to Varanasi’s master weavers, preserving the endangered art of silk and cotton weaving, using the opulent gold and silver weaves. With an eye on the past and a pulse on the present, she’s proving that tradition isn’t meant to gather dust—it’s a cornerstone of modern Indian fashion.
Sonam Kapoor in Ritu Kumar
Vani Kapoor in Ritu Kumar
Tarun Tahiliani
Heritage just got a high-fashion remix. At the Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI ’25, Tarun Tahiliani’s luxury pret line, OTT, took chikankari and Rabari craft out of the archives and onto the runway, proving that tradition can be as cutting-edge as couture. Picture the softness of chikankari colliding with the rugged charm of Rabari embroidery, all wrapped up in silhouettes that feel both nostalgic and now. With vintage replicas, archive-inspired silhouettes and a reimagined take on phulkari and kasheeda in his past collections, Tahiliani delivers a masterclass in making heritage haute again and again.
Tarun Tahiliani at LFW x FDCI ‘25
Tarun Tahiliani
Pankaj S Heritage
With deep reverence for India’s artistic and textile legacy, Pankaj S Heritage breathes life into 16 rare weaves and embroideries, alongside miniature painting and Pichhwai art, crafting museum-worthy creations. From the intricate Jamdani to the regal Lalitpuri Kora, his creations echo the opulence of a bygone era. Reviving Chikandozi, Gulkaari, Kamdani, Vasli, Tanzeb Tissue and more, he also unveiled a Rajputana-inspired collection, reflecting the splendor of royal ateliers. By preserving these centuries-old traditions, the designer ensures that India’s rich heritage continues to inspire and enchant the modern world.
Kangana Ranaut in Pankaj S Heritage
Pankaj S Heritage
Shantanu Goenka
Some traditions age gracefully, others get a fierce refresh. Shantanu Goenka does the latter, taking Patola, the legendary double-ikat woven silk masterpiece from Patan, Gujarat, and infusing it with Bengal’s embroidery wizardry. With micro mirrors, pearls and precise thread work, the embroidery doesn’t compete—it complements, enhancing the sari’s intricate motifs while keeping Kutch and Bhuj aesthetics intact. The takeaway? A collection that doesn’t just nod to the past—it confidently struts into the present.
Shantanu Goenka
Craftsmanship this rich deserves more than admiration—it deserves a front-row seat in your wardrobe. These designers are proving that heritage isn’t just history; it’s fashion with a story. Shop them now at Aashni + Co and own a piece of history that never goes out of style.
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