A collection that celebrates heritage, crafted with skill and passion, keeps traditions alive with grace, says SAKSHI PRIYA
Fashion with meaning is rare. Every stitch tells a story and every fabric holds a memory. In a world of fleeting trends, it is refreshing to see a designer who values artistry and tradition, ensuring that heritage remains a part of contemporary fashion.
At Bharat Tex 2025, Aalekh Foundation and the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) showcased this through a multi-designer show celebrating tradition and modernity. Designers Rosy Ahluwalia, Daniel Syiem and Sanjukta Dutta presented collections that merged intricate craftsmanship with contemporary design. Ahluwalia’s regal silhouettes carried a timeless elegance, while Syiem’s vibrant textiles honoured Northeast India’s rich traditions. Dutta’s Assamese silk creations blended heritage with bold, modern cuts. Each piece on the runway was a tribute to India’s textile legacy, proving that fashion is not just worn, it is lived.
Shilpi Gupta, the creative force behind House of Shilpi Gupta, presented her latest collection, Kanakmani, at Earthloom, The Threads of Heritage during Bharat Tex 2025. The showcase brought together craftsmanship, heritage and modern sensibilities, capturing the essence of Indian handloom traditions.
The collection, inspired by the richness of gold zari and heirloom textiles, reimagined heritage in a way that felt deeply personal. Each piece carried the weight of history while embracing the aesthetics of today. The garments were not only about embellishments or intricate work but about preserving the artistry that generations have passed down.
The showstopper, Sheetal Mallar, embodied the spirit of Kanakmani in an exquisite ensemble that exuded elegance. The collection blended structured silhouettes with fluid drapes, pairing blouses with jackets and capes, offering a fresh take on traditional styles. It was a celebration of textures, colours and meticulous craftsmanship.
What stood out was the emotional connection in each piece. The idea of passing down heirloom textiles, of a mother gifting a piece to her daughter, who then treasures it for her own children, made the collection feel timeless. It was not about trends, it was about legacy.
Shilpi Gupta’s vision goes beyond creating garments. She honours India’s deep-rooted textile heritage, bringing forth the grandeur of pitambari, nilambari, shatavari, karwa,and bhoota work with gold and silver threads. The collection was a reminder that fashion can hold cultural significance while remaining relevant.
House of Shilpi Gupta has always been about reviving and reinterpreting India’s textile traditions. Every fabric, every silhouette, carries a sense of nostalgia while embracing the present, proving that true fashion is never only about the clothes, it is about the stories they tell.
