This spectacular display not only highlighted the labor-intensive process behind handwoven fabrics but also illustrated how these traditional textiles could seamlessly blend into the luxury fashion world.
At the Bharat Tex 2025, a remarkable fashion event titled “Breathing Threads” was organized at the Bharat Mandapam amphitheatre by the Office of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India. The event, which attracted global buyers including those from the UK, celebrated the timeless beauty of Indian handlooms in modern fashion, showcasing the power of Indian craftsmanship to a worldwide audience.
The event, held in association with Vaishali S Couture, Vaishali S Threadstories Private Limited, Mumbai, and the Handloom Export Promotion Council, focused on honoring the legacy of Indian handwoven textiles. Vaishali S Couture, a 24-year-old brand, is renowned for reviving ancient hand-weaving techniques and elevating them to the highest global luxury fashion stages, combining innovation with sustainability. The brand’s commitment to a zero-waste strategy mirrors the eco-friendly practices of rural Indian villages, adding an element of ethical luxury to its designs.
The “Breathing Threads” fashion show featured fabrics woven in villages across five Indian states—West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan. Twenty models showcased 30 unique looks draped in seven distinct weaving techniques: Chanderi, Maheshwari, Jamdani, Khun, Benarasi, Kota Doria, and Murshidabad. Each piece was embellished with intricate textures and cording, demonstrating the versatility and artistry of Indian handlooms.
This spectacular display not only highlighted the labor-intensive process behind handwoven fabrics but also illustrated how these traditional textiles could seamlessly blend into the luxury fashion world. By presenting these textiles through a modern lens, the event emphasized the potential of Indian handlooms to regain their position as coveted fabrics on global luxury platforms.
The show was a great success, mesmerizing international buyers from the UK, Australia, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kuwait, Chile, and other countries. In addition to the global buyers, key stakeholders from the Indian textile industry were also in attendance, showing steadfast support for the Ministry’s mission to preserve and promote Indian handlooms.
With the ongoing support of the Development Commissioner for Handlooms and the Ministry of Textiles, “Breathing Threads” proved that Indian heritage textiles, when translated into a modern and global language, have the power to captivate the world’s fashion industry. The event served as a testament to the future of sustainable luxury, ensuring that the rich legacy of Indian handlooms will continue to thrive on the global stage.
