India’s iconic fabric, khadi, continues to evolve with the changing language of design while remaining deeply rooted in tradition. Celebrating this dynamic journey, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has announced Navdhara Khadi, a special showcase presented by Khadi India at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. The fashion week will take place in Mumbai from March 19 to 22, 2026, with the Navdhara Khadi showcase scheduled for March 20 at 6:30 PM at the Jio World Convention Centre.
The presentation will feature collections by noted designers Samant Chauhan, Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK–Khadi India), Pawan Sachdeva, and Shruti Sancheti. Through their individual creative perspectives, the showcase aims to reinterpret khadi’s timeless identity while highlighting its versatility and relevance for contemporary fashion.
Speaking about the significance of the initiative, Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI and advisor to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC), emphasized the deeper cultural value of the textile.
“Khadi is not just a fabric, it is metaphorical—denoting freedom, sustainability, austerity. It represents the spirit of India. Navdhara Khadi reimagines it for a generation that needs to know and respect its virtues,” he said.
Designer Samant Chauhan’s collection draws inspiration from the historic Silk Route, presenting pure silk woven in Bhagalpur. The designs experiment with varied textures within a single look, blending traditional craftsmanship with contemporary silhouettes to reinterpret the legacy of Bhagalpur silk.
The Centre of Excellence for Khadi (CoEK)—an initiative of KVIC and the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT)—introduces its collection titled “Saumy,” meaning serene. Celebrating the understated beauty of handcrafted textiles, the collection features shades of indigo, kora, and Indian madder, with fabrics woven and embroidered at the Sandur Kushala Kala Kendra in Karnataka.
Designer Pawan Sachdeva brings a modern edge with his collection “Swadeshi,” where khadi denim is reimagined through organic washes and thoughtful surface techniques. Each garment reflects natural textures and depth, presenting khadi in a contemporary yet mindful form.
Meanwhile, Shruti Sancheti’s collection “Khadi: A Story Woven in Twelve Chapters” explores the textile traditions of Vidarbha near Sevagram. Developed in collaboration with artisan clusters from Lodi Kheda and Dhapewada, the collection highlights diverse khadi varieties including Nasi, Gecha, Dupion, and Mulberry, blended with silk, wool, linen, and cotton. Signature Nagpur checks and stripes are enriched with Gond and Warli motifs through intricate embroidery.
Through Navdhara Khadi, the showcase seeks to celebrate the enduring legacy of khadi while presenting new design narratives that connect tradition with contemporary fashion sensibilities.
