New Delhi, August 26, 2026: Indian fashion and the enduring story of Khadi took centre stage at New Zealand Fashion Week 2026, as the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), in collaboration with New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW), presented “Khadi Beyond Borders” at Shed 10, Auckland, on August 18.
The showcase marked an important milestone in the creative and cultural exchange between India and New Zealand, bringing together four distinctive Indian design voices-Rajesh Pratap Singh, Pawan Sachdeva, Shruti Sancheti and Samant Chauhan to demonstrate the versatility of Khadi and Indian textiles within a contemporary
international fashion context.
The presentation opened with collections by Samant Chauhan, Pawan Sachdeva and Shruti Sancheti, each offering a distinct interpretation of Indian craftsmanship and contemporary design. Chauhan drew on heritage-rooted silhouettes and the textile traditions of Bhagalpur Silk, while Sachdeva brought an experimental, contemporary edge to khadi through his menswear. Sancheti presented her signature language of understated luxury, infused with a modern ethos.
The showcase was followed by a live musical performance by Global Strings, before culminating in a solo presentation by one of India’s most influential designers, Rajesh Pratap Singh. Singh explored Khadi through the precise language of tailoring, interweaving hand-spun cotton and wool with architectural forms, articulated shoulders and disciplined silhouettes that gave the body structure without restricting movement.
Together, the designers demonstrated how Khadi and Indian textiles can move beyond traditional associations while retaining their connection to India’s rich textile heritage
and craftsmanship – finding new expression through modern silhouettes, tailoring and individual design languages.
The presentation was also the first significant creative expression of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between FDCI and New Zealand Fashion Week, established to strengthen collaboration and exchange between the fashion industries of India and New Zealand. The MoU was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, and the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, along with Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, and Feroz Ali, Chairman, NZFW.
Commenting on the collaboration, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, said, “The MoU was signed in the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, and the Hon’ble Minister of Commerce & Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, along with Feroz Ali, Chairman of NZFW. This collaboration further strengthens khadi’s position on the global fashion map. During my tenure as Advisor to KVIC, I have consistently worked towards showcasing the limitless potential of this extraordinary fabric to discerning audiences worldwide. We are delighted to bring the essence of
khadi to New Zealand and present its rich heritage, versatility and contemporary relevance to a new international audience.”
The partnership creates opportunities for designer exchanges, international showcases, creative collaborations and greater industry engagement between the two countries.
Khadi Beyond Borders marks a meaningful first step in translating that commitment into a shared fashion platform.
FDCI acknowledges the support of Feroz Ali, Owner of New Zealand Fashion Week, and Liam Taylor, Creative Director, whose partnership and collaboration were
instrumental in bringing the showcase to Auckland.
Beyond the runway, Khadi Beyond Borders opened a wider conversation between two fashion communities, creating a platform for cultural exchange and demonstrating the potential of Indian textiles and design to engage new international audiences.
The successful Auckland presentation provides a strong foundation for the next phase of the FDCI–NZFW partnership, with opportunities for continued designer participation, reciprocal showcases, creative exchanges and industry engagement.
“Khadi Beyond Borders” is a beginning – one that places Indian textiles, craftsmanship and contemporary design in dialogue with a new international fashion community, while opening the door to a longer-term creative partnership between India and New Zealand.
