My Craft My Pride

Fashion Design Council of India Celebrates My Craft My Pride supported by DC handicrafts at the World Crafts Forum 2024

The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) successfully presented My Craft My Pride, a sustainable crafts showcase, as part of the inaugural World Crafts Forum 2024. Held on November 23 at the National Crafts Museum, New Delhi, this remarkable event celebrated India’s exceptional craftsmanship, blending sustainability with contemporary design.

Organized by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and supported by the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, the showcase highlighted India’s rich handloom and craft traditions, reinterpreted by some of the country’s most celebrated designers.

The FDCI showcase featured collections from a stellar lineup of designers, including Anjana Bhargav for DHI, Payal Jain, Suket Dhir, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta, Anavila, and Aidar Khan from Kazakhstan.

Each designer brought a unique perspective to India’s crafts and handloom traditions, blending heritage, innovation, and sustainability to create visionary collections that honor the country’s rich craftsmanship.

“We are grateful to DC Handicraft, Ministry of Textiles and WCF 2024 for giving us this platform,” shared Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI. “With My Craft My Pride, FDCI showcases the beauty and versatility of India’s sustainable crafts, interpreted by some of the most talented designers. This event is a testament to our dedication to preserving tradition while paving the way for a sustainable future.”

“Black and white—a palette of timeless sophistication and bold allure. This collection reimagines these hues through the art of patchwork with a contemporary twist, blending traditional handlooms with bold, modern abstractions. It’s about creating pieces that are not just worn but remembered,” shares Anjana Bhargav.

“Rising Sun is a celebration of Uzbekistan’s rich cultural tapestry, reimagined through the lens of Indian craftsmanship. This collection is a tribute to sustainability and artistry, repurposing antique Uzbek textiles into modern silhouettes adorned with handmade tassels, fringes, and metallic embellishments,” shares Payal Jain.

The Panchatantra collection is our homage to the timeless art of storytelling. By bringing these beloved characters to life on Banarasi brocades, Muga, and other exquisite silks, we aim to celebrate India’s rich handloom heritage while weaving a sustainable narrative for the future,” shares Suket Dhir.

“This collection is a tribute to the iconic International Klein Blue and its evocative journey through art, textiles, and fashion. At Akaaro, we have reimagined the expressive potential of handwoven fabrics by blending materials like stainless steel, merino wool, monofilament silk, and cotton. Through this innovative approach, we explore urbanity, functionality, and modernism while staying rooted in sustainability. Each piece is a reflection of the future of contemporary Indian textiles,” shares Gaurav Jai Gupta.

“‘Payanam’ is a tribute to the timeless spirit of Chettinad, where heritage and modernity coexist in perfect harmony. Inspired by the region’s rich cultural tapestry, from its handcrafted Athangudi tiles to its vibrant kolams, this collection weaves together the essence of a community deeply rooted yet globally inspired. Each piece celebrates the slow and handmade, transforming the journey of life into wearable stories that honor tradition while embracing the present. Through craft and clothing, we aim to build kinship and preserve the legacy of thoughtful living,” shares Anavila Misra.

“Our neo-folklore collection is a journey into the origins of tradition, where the utilitarian essence of felt—once essential for nomads—is reimagined as Haute Couture. By blending the ancient craft of felting with the modern nunofelting technique, we create garments that embody the spirit of heritage and the elegance of contemporary design. Each piece, crafted entirely by hand, tells a story of cultural roots meeting innovation, transforming felt into a symbol of sustainable luxury,” shares Aidar Khan, designer from Kazakhstan.

The World Crafts Forum 2024 and My Craft My Pride positioned India at the forefront of global craft innovation. By fostering cross-cultural collaboration, promoting sustainability, and preserving traditional skills, the event successfully created a roadmap for the future of the craft sector while celebrating its legacy.