“The artisan and master weavers of our country are continually finding ways to incorporate contemporary ideas into their creations, ensuring that the richness of our traditional weaving heritage remains alive and relevant. However, saleability and effective marketing continue to be significant challenges that these artisans must navigate,” says Delhi-based textile connoisseur Rupa Sood.

Through Nayaab, founded in 2015, Rupa has built a community of over 150 designers and craftspeople dedicated to preserving, promoting and celebrating India’s rich textile traditions and exceptional craftsmanship. Over the years, it has presented a wide range of crafts and heritage weaving techniques, including jamdani, Benarasi, ikat, shibori, kantha and block printing, at its exhibitions across India.

Now, Nayaab comes to Chennai on August 7 and 8 with a mission to present Indian textiles in a contemporary context. “Our focus has always been on working with designers who are reviving diminishing art forms, crafts and weaving traditions, while translating these age-old techniques into contemporary designs and products,” says Rupa.

Among the featured designers is Urvashi Kaur, whose Renew Project explores the future of textiles through handwoven tussar silk, shibori and leheriya techniques. By repurposing heirloom Benarasi textiles into contemporary fabrics and garments, the project extends the life of these treasured weaves through sustainable design.

Rupa also highlights Studio A3 as one of this year’s key participants, presenting a special collection celebrating the timeless craft of kantha hand embroidery on natural fabrics such as khadi cotton, linen and silk. Rooted in the tradition of slow stitching, kantha is created through thousands of fine running stitches that gradually build texture, rhythm and subtle movement across the fabric, transforming each piece into a work of art. The studio will showcase a range of jackets, decorative panels, home décor pieces and a limited-edition collection of kantha-embroidered saris.

Driven by a mission to revive the extraordinary art of ikat, Hyderabad-based Translate Ikat India is committed to creating meaningful change through its sustained engagement with the indigenous craft of ikat weaving. They will be showcasing their pieces at the exhibition too.

Founded by National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) alumni Madhulika and Manish, Rasa Jaipur, has reimagined the traditional craft of block printing through an experimental approach. Today, the label uses innovative block-printing techniques to create distinctive lifestyle products. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted and showcases impeccable craftsmanship.

Also at the exhibit is Kolkata-based Arte-alter, an eco-conscious fashion and lifestyle label that places sustainability at the heart of both its products and its design process. The label reinterprets the traditional craft of jamdani by weaving it on khadi tussar silk. Crafted using ethically-sourced raw desi tussar silk yarn from Chhattisgarh, and hand-spun into khadi in West Bengal, these textiles result in collections have a distinctive design sensibility.

Among the 28 stalls at Nayaab is Naari Shakti too: a non-profit initiative based in Okhla Basti, Delhi, that empowers women through craft. The collective creates handcrafted bracelets, homeware and lifestyle accessories using macramé and other artisanal techniques.

Adding an interactive dimension to the event, Nayaab will present live demonstrations by Tilak Reddy of Kalam Shastra and designer Urvashi Kaur. “Tilak is dedicated to preserving and evolving the centuries-old tradition of Kalamkari, and his work has earned international recognition,” says Rupa. “The demonstrations will offer visitors a rare opportunity to engage with master artisans and gain deeper insights into the techniques, stories and craftsmanship behind these enduring textile traditions.” The interactive sessions will be held on both days from 10am to 6pm.

The event will also feature a panel discussion titled Threads of Continuity: Craft, Culture and Contemporary Design on August 8 at 11am. The session will bring together Urvashi Kaur, Tilak Reddy (founder of Kalam Shastra), and Vinita Passary (founder of Translate Ikat India). Bringing together three distinctive voices in contemporary Indian design, the panel will explore their creative journeys, sources of inspiration and perspectives on sustaining, evolving and celebrating the country’s handloom heritage.

“We invite textile enthusiasts, design students and anyone passionate about Indian crafts to join us for this conversation,” says Rupa.

@Welcome Hotel by ITC Hotels, Cathedral Road. On August 7 and 8 from 10 am to 8 pm. Prices starts at ₹7,000.

Published - July 30, 2026 03:47 pm IST