Fashion presentation at Bharat Mandapam highlights Indian textiles and cinematic heritage

A fashion showcase titled The Loom & The Lens: Weaving Stories. Framing Legacy. was held on the sidelines of the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD) 2026 in New Delhi on 29 March 2026. Organised by Delhi Tourism, Government of Delhi and the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Government of India, in collaboration with Shikha’s Kariigarii, the event took place at the Open Air Amphitheatre, Bharat Mandapam.

The showcase brought together elements of Indian handloom and cinema through a thematic fashion presentation. It was conducted as part of the programming associated with IFFD 2026 and featured multiple sequences highlighting textile traditions and their connection to visual storytelling.

Speaking at the event, Hon’ble Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said: “IFFD Delhi is a celebration of cinema, India’s cultural imagination and storytelling legacy. Initiatives like ‘The Loom & The Lens’ beautifully position Delhi as a confluence of heritage and modern creativity, where traditional art forms such as handloom find renewed expression through contemporary platforms like cinema. This is how we present India’s cultural depth to the world which is vibrant, rooted and forward-looking.”

Smt. Gupta further added “Handloom and cinema are two of India’s most powerful storytelling traditions—one woven through threads, the other through frames of light. Together, they preserve our collective memory and identity. The saree, in particular, has remained an enduring symbol across generations, gracefully capturing the spirit of India in both everyday life and cinematic expression.”

Hon’ble Tourism Minister Shri Kapil Mishra said: “The International Film Festival Delhi is emerging as a global cultural platform, and through initiatives like ‘The Loom & The Lens’, we are expanding its canvas beyond cinema. This showcase reflects the spirit of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’ by bringing together diverse handloom traditions from across India and presenting them through the powerful medium of fashion and film.”

Shri Mishra further added “Delhi Tourism is committed to promoting such innovative cultural integrations, where handlooms, cinema and creative industries converge. This not only strengthens our cultural narrative globally but also creates meaningful visibility and opportunities for our weavers and artisans.”

Mr. Suneel Anchipaka, MD & CEO, Delhi Tourism & Transportation Development Corporation (DT&TDC), said “ ‘The Loom & The Lens’ stands out as visually captivating and conceptually rich presentation at IFFD 2026. The way it seamlessly wove together cinematic nostalgia, regional handloom diversity and artistic expression into thematic sequences is truly commendable. Platforms like IFFD enable us to showcase Delhi not just as a host city, but as a vibrant cultural curator connecting tradition with contemporary storytelling.”

The fashion presentation was divided into three thematic segments. The first sequence, “Handloom to Silver Screen,” revisited saree drapes inspired by cinematic moments from the 1940s to the 2020s, highlighting the role of films in popularising the saree.

The second segment, “From the Weavers of India,” featured handloom traditions including Tussar and Gheecha of Chhattisgarh, Banarasi Butidar of Varanasi, Lachcha Buta of Mubarakpur, Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh, Venkatagiri of Andhra Pradesh and Kuthampully of Kerala.

The final sequence, “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat – A Tribute to Vande Mataram,” presented hand-painted handloom sarees inspired by art forms such as Pichwai, Pattachitra, Warli, Gond, Madhubani, Assamese traditions and Chittara art. The segment marked the 150th anniversary of the song Vande Mataram.

Dr. M. Beena, Development Commissioner (Handlooms), said “It is heartening to see handloom being integrated into a global cultural platform like IFFD. Such initiatives help present handloom in innovative formats, linking it with cinema and storytelling, while reinforcing its relevance in today’s cultural and creative economy.”

Ms. Shikha Ajmera, artist, fashion designer and promoter of Shikha’s Kariigarii, said “For me, a saree is not just a garment, but a moving canvas. Through this showcase, we have attempted to bring together the narratives of loom and lens, where tradition meets storytelling, and art becomes a lived experience.”

Shikha’s Kariigarii works with artisans to develop wearable products based on traditional art forms while supporting craft practices.

The showcase was directed by Sandesh Navlakha, with choreography and styling incorporated into the presentation. The event formed part of the broader IFFD Delhi 2026 programme.