Navdhara Khadi Reimagines the Freedom Fabric
The timeless story of Khadi finds a contemporary voice once again as Khadi and Village Industries Commission presents Navdhara Khadi, a special showcase celebrating the evolving design language of India’s most iconic textile. Curated by Fashion Design Council of India, the presentation will take centre stage at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, scheduled to take place in Mumbai from March 19 to 22.
The show will be held on March 20 at 6:30 PM at the Jio World Convention Centre, bringing together leading designers Samant Chauhan, Pawan Sachdeva, and Shruti Sancheti, alongside the Centre of Excellence for Khadi, an initiative of KVIC and National Institute of Fashion Technology. Together, they explore the versatility of Khadi through modern silhouettes while remaining deeply rooted in Indian craft traditions.
“Khadi is not just a fabric—it carries the spirit of India. It represents freedom, sustainability, and simplicity,” said Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI and advisor to KVIC. “Navdhara Khadi reimagines this legacy for a new generation that must understand and respect its values.”
Each designer approaches the fabric through a distinctive lens.
Samant Chauhan draws inspiration from the historic Silk Route, presenting Bhagalpur silk woven into richly textured garments that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary forms. The collection celebrates the purity and heritage of the famed textile while giving it a modern silhouette.
The Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK) presents Saumy, meaning serene—an exploration of handcrafted textiles in calming shades of indigo, kora, and Indian madder. The pieces are woven and embroidered at the Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra in Karnataka, highlighting the quiet elegance of artisanal work.
Designer Pawan Sachdeva brings an unexpected edge to the showcase with Swadeshi, a collection that experiments with khadi denim. Organic washes and subtle surface techniques create garments that carry a natural texture and understated depth.
Meanwhile, Shruti Sancheti presents Khadi: A Story Woven in Twelve Chapters, a collection rooted in the textile traditions of Vidarbha near Sevagram. Developed with artisan clusters from Lodi Kheda and Dhapewada, the collection explores multiple varieties of khadi—including Nasi, Gecha, Dupion, and Mulberry—blended with silk, wool, linen, and cotton. Signature Nagpur checks and stripes are further enriched with Gond and Warli-inspired embroidery, celebrating regional craft narratives.
Through Navdhara Khadi, the showcase highlights how a fabric once synonymous with India’s freedom movement continues to evolve. By merging heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design thinking, the presentation underscores Khadi’s enduring relevance in today’s fashion landscape.
