On National Handloom Day, August 7, 2025, the runway in New Delhi turned into something more than a fashion showcase — it became a living, breathing ode to India’s weaving legacy.
Internationally acclaimed couturier Vaishali Shadangule, known globally for her signature cording techniques, became the only Indian designer to present ‘Handloom Couture’ in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, and the Development Commissioner for Handlooms (DCHL).Her showcase, NAAD – The Sound of the Looms, celebrated the artisans and weavers whose skills form the backbone of India’s textile heritage.
A Tribute Woven in 52 Looks
Every outfit in the 52-look collection carried a narrative. From intimate, handwoven textures to opulent couture ensembles, each piece stood as proof of the painstaking hours, generational skill, and artistry poured in by India’s weaving communities.
Larger-than-life textile art installations surrounded the runway, each highlighting a signature weave from the Vaishali S universe. Adding a rare dimension to the event, artisans were seated beside these installations, weaving live on traditional looms, a performance that was both symbolic and real, blending tradition with couture’s contemporary stage.
Jewels That Matched the Legacy
Partnering with ISVARI Jalandhar Jewellery House, Vaishali paired her handloom masterpieces with heirloom jewellery from ISVARI’s artisanal edit. Every piece took over 1,000 man-hours to craft, combining gemstones sourced over decades with ancient Indian techniques such as pichai work — an art form exclusive to India. The pairing brought together two worlds: heritage textiles and heritage jewels.
A Five-Senses Experience
NAAD wasn’t designed for sight alone — it was meant to be felt. The rhythmic sound of live looms set the tone, fresh mogra flowers infused the air, and handcrafted tokens featuring silk, rare stones, and paper awaited guests at their seats.Three dance performances by Sadhguru Gurukulam Sanskriti School, Coimbatore, brought the story of handloom to life in stages — I am Thread, I am Loom, and I am Fabric — each a poetic rendering of transformation from raw fibre to finished couture.
Why It Matters
“Handloom is an integral part of India’s rural livelihood, employing over 35 lakh weavers and workers — over 70% of them women,”
— Dr. M Beena, Development Commissioner for Handlooms (DCHL).
By merging heritage craft with high fashion, Vaishali’s work demonstrates that handloom is an economic powerhouse with the potential to capture global luxury markets.
Vaishali’s Vision
For Vaishali, this was more than an event, it was a mission:
“We’re showing the world that handloom couture is art, made by hand, requiring hundreds of hours, and passed down through generations. It’s 100% sustainable and it’s made in India.”
Since 2001, her label has supported over 3,500 weaving families across India, promoting reverse migration to rural areas and ensuring that the craft remains not just alive, but thriving. Her work spans weaving traditions from Assam to Karnataka, reviving more than 15 distinct techniques.
A Milestone for Handloom Couture
As the only handloom couturier on the global map, Vaishali Shadangule’s NAAD was not just a celebration of craft — it was a statement. One that says Indian handlooms belong in the world’s most prestigious couture conversations.On National Handloom Day 2025, she didn’t just showcase fashion.
She showcased India.
