World Crafts Forum 2024: Showcasing India's Sustainable Craft Legacy in New Delhi

The World Crafts Forum 2024 has officially launched at the National Crafts Museum in New Delhi, drawing attention to India’s rich legacy of traditional crafts and sustainable practices. A key highlight of the event is "My Craft My Pride," a showcase organised by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in partnership with the World Crafts Council (WCC) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles’ Development Commissioner for Handicrafts.

Diverse Textile Traditions

This showcase celebrates India’s diverse handloom and craft traditions while promoting sustainability through contemporary design. Renowned designers such as Anjana Bhargav, Payal Jain, Suket Dhir, Gaurav Jai Gupta (Akaaro), Anavila Misra, and Kazakhstan’s Aidar Khan are presenting collections that reinterpret traditional craftsmanship with modern sensibilities.

The featured collections are rooted in sustainability and heritage. For example, Anjana Bhargav’s designs combine traditional patchwork techniques with bold, modern abstractions, creating timeless black-and-white ensembles. Payal Jain’s Rising Sun collection uses antique Uzbek textiles to craft contemporary silhouettes adorned with handmade tassels and metallic details. Suket Dhir’s Panchatantra collection brings Indian storytelling to life with Banarasi brocades and Muga silks, showcasing how narratives can be woven into fashion.

Meanwhile, Gaurav Jai Gupta’s Akaaro collection explores the potential of handwoven fabrics by blending materials such as stainless steel, merino wool, and silk to create urban and functional pieces. Anavila Misra’s Payanam draws inspiration from the Chettinad region, incorporating vibrant motifs from traditional kolams and handcrafted tiles into her work. International designer Aidar Khan presents a neo-folklore collection inspired by Kazakhstan’s nomadic culture, using felting techniques to transform traditional materials into couture garments.

Big Plans

Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, shared his enthusiasm for the event: “With My Craft My Pride, we showcase the beauty and versatility of India’s crafts, interpreted by some of the most talented designers. This initiative reflects our commitment to preserving tradition while paving the way for a sustainable future.”

The World Crafts Forum 2024 aims to position India as a leader in global craft innovation. By fostering cross-cultural collaboration and promoting sustainable practices, the event seeks to create a roadmap for the future of the craft industry. Visitors can explore these exceptional collections, experience India’s craftsmanship, and witness the convergence of heritage and modern design.

The forum not only celebrates traditional skills but also underscores the importance of sustainability and innovation, ensuring India’s craft legacy remains relevant for generations to come.