At International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD), a Unique Fashion Showcase Highlights ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat’ to a Global Audience
‘The Loom & The Lens: Weaving Stories. Framing Legacy.’ Brings Handloom and Cinema Together at IFFD 2026
New Delhi : On the sidelines of the International Film Festival Delhi (IFFD), a grand and evocative fashion showcase titled ‘The Loom & The Lens: Weaving Stories. Framing Legacy.’ was organised by Delhi Tourism, Government of Delhi and the Development Commissioner (Handlooms), Government of India, in collaboration with Shikha’s Kariigarii. Held at the Open Air Amphitheatre, Bharat Mandapam, the showcase brought together the timeless narratives of Indian handloom and cinema in a visually compelling and culturally resonant presentation.
Speaking on the occasion, 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.” Adding to this, 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 featured three thematic sequences:
The opening sequence, “Handloom to Silver Screen,” revisited iconic saree drapes inspired by memorable cinematic moments from the 1940s to the 2020s, highlighting how Indian films have played a pivotal role in popularising the saree as a symbol of elegance and cultural identity. The second sequence, “From the Weavers of India,” showcased the rich diversity of Indian handlooms—from Tussar and Gheecha of Chhattisgarh to Banarasi Butidar of Varanasi, Lachcha Buta of Mubarakpur, Chanderi of Madhya Pradesh, Venkatagiri of Andhra Pradesh and Kuthampully of Kerala—each representing the living traditions and craftsmanship of India’s weaving communities.
The grand finale, “Ek Bharat, Shreshth Bharat – A Tribute to Vande Mataram,” presented Shikha’s signature collection of hand-painted handloom sarees inspired by traditional Indian art forms including Pichwai, Pattachitra, Warli, Gond, Madhubani, Assamese traditions and Chittara art. Marking the 150th anniversary of the iconic song Vande Mataram, the finale transformed the ramp into a moving canvas of national pride, unity and artistic expression, set to its stirring notes. Appreciating IFFD and the support from the Delhi Government, 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.”
Expressing her gratitude, 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 continues to work closely with nationally recognised artisans, transforming traditional art forms into wearable expressions while ensuring sustainable livelihoods and preservation of heritage crafts. Directed by fashion director Mr. Sandesh Navlakha, with expert choreography and styling, the showcase culminated in a visually immersive and emotionally stirring experience, earning widespread appreciation from audiences and dignitaries alike.The evening stood out as a defining moment at IFFD Delhi 2026, where fashion transcended aesthetics to become a powerful medium of storytelling, culture and national pride.