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India’s rich tapestry of craft traditions took center stage once again as the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) unveiled the second edition of CHHAAP at Shilparamam, Hyderabad. This immersive showcase, held on September 12, 2025, blended heritage with haute couture, bringing together artisans, alumni, and emerging designers in a celebration of handloom, sustainability, and storytelling through textiles.
CHHAAP, which stands for an indelible stamp of India’s craft legacy, is more than a fashion event—it’s a cultural movement. With exhibitions, live stalls, and a runway show titled Sampadā, the initiative reaffirmed NIFT’s commitment to preserving and evolving India’s artisanal excellence.
Key highlights from the showcase
1. Sampadā: Crafts on the runway
- The fashion walk opened with earthy Dabu prints, followed by Swati Kapoor’s flowing drapes inspired by Kishangarh miniature paintings
- Padma Shri awardee Gajam Govardhan’s globally celebrated ikat was featured alongside student collections, creating a dialogue between legacy and innovation
- Eco-printed silks, stitched cottons, and minimalist silhouettes reflected a conscious shift toward sustainable fashion
2. Artisan-led exhibitions
- Khadi wool from Bikaner was tailored into contemporary jackets and skirts
- Women from Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal, showcased Madurkathi reed mats reimagined as yoga accessories and foldable bags
- Craft demonstrations allowed visitors to witness traditional techniques in real time, bridging the gap between process and product
3. Alumni impact and entrepreneurial spirit
- Aamvi by Megavi presented clean-cut dresses emphasizing form over embellishment, reflecting a modern aesthetic rooted in craft
- Barahmasi by Prashant, an alumnus of NIFT Delhi, offered bolts of cloth stripped of ornamentation but rich in local dye and weave traditions
- Alumni stalls were curated to highlight business journeys post-graduation, underscoring NIFT’s role in nurturing craft-based entrepreneurship
4. Institutional leadership and cultural context
- The event was inaugurated by senior officials including Dr. K. Ilambarthi, MA&UD Secretary, and Valluru Kranthi, MD of the tourism department
- Tanu Kashyap, Director General of NIFT, emphasized CHHAAP’s mission to honor India’s artisanship and its evolving relevance in contemporary fashion
- Dr. Malini Divakala, Director of NIFT Hyderabad, noted that Shilparamam—Hyderabad’s crafts village—was the ideal venue to host this convergence of tradition and design
5. A walk through India’s craft corridors
- Visitors experienced a curated journey through India’s regional crafts, from Bengal’s reeds to Rajasthan’s resist prints
- The layout encouraged interaction, with each stall offering insights into the material, technique, and cultural significance of the showcased items
- The event served as a living archive, where heritage was not just displayed but actively interpreted and reimagined
Why CHHAAP matters now
In an era of fast fashion and global homogenization, CHHAAP stands as a counter-narrative—one that values slow processes, local identities, and the human touch. By placing crafts on the runway and in the spotlight, NIFT is not only preserving traditions but also making them aspirational for a new generation of designers and consumers.
The initiative also reflects a broader shift in fashion education, where design is no longer divorced from context. Students are encouraged to co-create with artisans, understand regional nuances, and build brands that are both culturally rooted and globally relevant.
Looking ahead
CHHAAP’s return signals a growing appetite for craft-conscious fashion. As India positions itself as a global design hub, initiatives like this ensure that its soul remains intact. Whether it’s a reed mat turned yoga accessory or a minimalist dress stitched in handloom cotton, the message is clear—craft is not a relic, it’s a runway revolution.
Sources: Deccan Chronicle, Hybiz TV Live, Press Information Bureau India
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