5 Indian labels keeping the art of handloom alive

What we see on and off the runway are trends that emerge and fade before the blink of an eye. What we don't see is the hard work that goes into making some of these garments into timeless pieces. For many Indian designers, this belief is at the forefront of what they do i.e. highlighting the real artists behind the masterpieces. We look at some of these Indian design labels and how they celebrate the people behind the magic. 

INDIAN LABELS UPHOLDING THE ART OF INDIAN HANDLOOM

1. Raw Mango

Raw Mango has emerged as a celebrity favourite because of how they have cast traditional craft Benarasi brocade in a new light. Its unique ability to blend Indian heritage with modern sensibilities makes the brand especially popular among Bollywood celebrities. Deepika Padukone, Janhvi Kapoor and Alia Bhatt are some of Bollywood's popular names seen in the brand's designs. The balance between tradition and modernity has made Raw Mango not just a label but a statement of cultural appreciation and fashion-forward thinking.

2. Anita Dongre

Anita Dongre is a strong advocate for the promotion of Indian handloom and its rich heritage. She is known for blending silks, khadi and zardozi in ways unimaginable. The impeccable silhouettes, attention to detail, and timeless elegance make the pieces not only comfortable but also visually alluring for celebrities to pick for anything; from red carpet events to weddings. 

 

3. Sabyasachi 

What can be said about Sabyasachi Mukherjee that hasn't been said before? Indian handloom is the main character of all his collections. Dying art forms such as hand embroidery, block printing, and handloom weaving are re-established through his collections and regranted luxurious status by the brand. His commitment to his art and upholding the Indian art form turned his dream of taking a truly Indian brand to international heights into reality. Today, international celebrities recognise Indian art and textiles all thanks to this fashion maestro. 

 

4. Tarun Tahiliani

Tarun Tahiliani promotes handloom from India by skillfully integrating traditional hand-woven fabrics like khadi, silk, and brocade into his fashionable designs. His collaboration with regional artisans across the country helps preserve and uphold intricate handwork like aari threadwork, zardozi and beadwork. Tarun Tahiliani's pieces of handloom today have become a favourite of celebrities due to their blend of old-world craftsmanship and luxurious modernity. His fusion of cultural heritage with contemporary style appeals to celebrities who appreciate both, timeless beauty and sustainable fashion.

5. Abu Jani-Sandeep Khosla

The art of chikankari has never seen a more shining moment than when designers Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla shone a light on it. The designer duo are often credited for making the intricate art of chikankari a thing of luxury when they began weaving it into runway-ready pieces. This is why they are a celebrity favourite. Shweta Bachchan and Sara Ali Khan are the duo's most popular Bollywood muses and friends outside of the runway. 

These Indian labels try to uphold the very position and prestige of textiles. The commitment to put India on a pedestal remains an ongoing one.

Text by Riya Jha

Edited by Sabrina Mathews