FDCI & India Art Fair Inaugurate Contemporary Fashion & Textile Exposition at National Crafts Museum

FDCI & India Art Fair Inaugurate Contemporary Fashion & Textile Exposition on National Handloom Day at National Crafts Museum supported by DC Handicraft 

As part of the National Handloom Day 2025 celebrations, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), in collaboration with India Art Fair’s Young Collectors’ Programme, inaugurated a powerful exhibition on 7th August 2025 at the Innovation Gallery and Textile Gallery II of the National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, New Delhi. 

The showcase was inaugurated by Smt. Neelam Shammi Rao, Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, along with Smt. Amrit Raj (Development Commissioner, Handicrafts) and Shri Rohit Kansal (Additional Secretary). The opening was attended by eminent dignitaries from the Ministry of Textiles including Dr. M. Beena (Development Commissioner, Handlooms), Shri Asit Gopal (AS & FA), Smt. Padmini Singla (Joint Secretary), Smt. Shubhra (Trade Advisor), Smt. Tanu Kashyap (Director General, NIFT), and Col. Manoj Rana (Senior Director, National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy). 

Guests explored the exhibition spread across both the Textile Gallery, curated by Sunil Sethi, and the Innovation Gallery, currently curated by Sreyansi Singh, which together presented an immersive installation reimagining India’s indigenous craft traditions through contemporary design. 

Participating collectives and labels included 2112 Saldon (Ladakh), 7Weaves (Assam), Boito (Odisha), Bun.Kar Bihar (Bihar), Erode (Tamil Nadu), Johargram (Jharkhand), Kiniho (Meghalaya), and Tega Collective in collaboration with Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra (Karnataka). 

“I am deeply grateful to Smt. Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, for her continued support; to the India Art Fair for their meaningful collaboration; and to the entire team of National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy. This coming together of art, fashion, and culture not only honours our textile legacy but sets the stage for future cultural innovation.” — Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India 

“We at India Art Fair are deeply grateful for the incredible collaboration with FDCI and the ever-inspiring Sunil Sethi, whose generosity and vision made this partnership at the Crafts Museum possible. This meaningful coming together of art, craft, and design reflects our shared commitment to India’s cultural heritage, and we sincerely hope this marks the beginning of a long-term and impactful relationship between our organisations.” 

— Jaya Asokan, Fair Director, India Art Fair 

The exhibition will remain open for public viewing for two months at the Innovation Gallery & Textile Gallery II: Tradition & Innovation, National Crafts Museum & Hastkala Academy, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.