INDIA, BHUTAN PUT KHADI IN THE SPOTLIGHT
At the Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu, India and Bhutan came together on an evening when khadi, the freedom fabric, unfolded its magic. Organised by the Indian embassy in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises along with the Khadi & Village Industries Commission and the Royal Textile Academy, Bhutan, got khadi again in the spotlight.
The Ambassador of India to Bhutan, Ruchira Kamboj, and the royal family of Bhutan led by Queen Mother Ashi Sangay Choden Wangchuck, along with Princess Euphelma Choden Wangchuck and Ashi Deki Yangzom Wangchuck, besides the country’s Prime Minister, Lotay Tshering, graced the show. Creations in khadi and thagzo (a Bhutanese textile weave), were showcased at the event.
A day prior to the showcase, FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi and its board of directors visited India House in Bhutan for a special meeting with the King and Queen of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Jetsun Pema. A traditional yellow shawl was gifted to the King, handwoven with Indian flag colours by Ezma. “At the meeting, we spoke about Indian and Bhutanese textiles and fashion collaboration at length. We have very fond memories of the meeting. It was also a pleasant surprise to know the king had attended FDCI’s India Fashion Week and the Queen had attended the India Couture Week in the past,” says Sethi.
And the experiences in Bhutan left designers elated. “It was the first time for me and I had a fantastic experience. The garments we showcased were developed in Gujarat; there was khadi with indigo, block prints and patchwork – signature Rajesh Pratap Singh style. This is much longer than a day’s event as Bhutanese designers will now showcase at the Lotus Make-up India Fashion Week. Their deep-rooted value for traditional silhouettes and fabrics reflected in the collections,” says Sapna Mehra, of the brand.
Designer Samant Chauhan also loves how khadi is evolving now. “Bhutanese designers showcased their traditional attires in khadi with modern interpretations. Today, the perception of khadi has changed as designers back home are making it prominent as a luxe fabric. We showcased khadi silk evening gowns so it can resonate as a luxury fabric for fashion lovers,” he adds.