Grand Showcase Of Couture, Cinema, And Culture At IFFI Goa

The international film show saw a unique fashion show, ‘Handloom Sarees in Motion: 70MM on Runway’ was organised by Shikha’s Kariigarii, a social enterprise dedicated to Indian handlooms, in collaboration with DC Handlooms, Union Ministry of Textiles, Entertainment Society of Goa and National Film Development Corporation.

The 15-minute showcase transported audiences through the journey of Bollywood, draping its history one saree at a time. With each sequence set to music from different cinematic eras, the runway became a moving celebration of nostalgia, artistry, and the timeless elegance of the saree. 

The show invited IFFI delegates and film personalities to revisit India’s cinematic evolution through its most iconic attire of saree. From the fluid drapes of the 1940s to the bold, experimental silhouettes of the 2020s, the red carpet came alive with legendary moods, muses, and memories, all recreated through six yards of handloom heritage. 

Each swirl and pleat mirrored the progression of Indian cinema, bringing back the era of graceful heroines, the rebellious 70s, romantic 90s, and the contemporary age of glamour.

A Tapestry of Traditions

More than 40 handloom sarees, from the collection of Shikha’s Kariigarii, sourced from different parts of the country, were presented during the show.

Sarees included, Tussar silk from Chhattisgarh, Ikat Pashmina Saree from J&K, Banarasi Butidar Saree and Mubarakpur Lachcha Buta Saree from Uttar Pradesh, Chanderi from Madhya Pradesh, Gheecha silk from Chhattisgarh, Venkatagiri Saree from Andhra, Kuthampully Saree from Kerala and others.

Some of these sarees were also hand-painted by the award-winning artists working for the brand, with different art forms such as Pichwai from Rajasthan, Pattachitra from Odisha, Warli from Maharashtra, Pen-Kalamkari from Andhra, Madhubani from Bihar, Gonda and Bhil art from Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, and others.

Speaking on the initiative, Delilah M. Lobo, Vice Chairperson, Entertainment Society of Goa, said, “This first-of-its-kind fashion showcase at IFFI is a wonderful initiative that brings a refreshing and engaging dimension to the festival. Fashion is always an integral part of cinema and culture, and the event by Shikha’s Kariigarii beautifully reinforces that connection. We look forward to curating many more such creative collaborations that celebrate craftsmanship, storytelling and India’s rich cultural heritage.”

“IFFI this year hosted a handloom-led fashion showcase, highlighting India’s cultural depth and the powerful intersection of cinema and craftsmanship. ‘Sarees in Motion’ beautifully captured the essence of India: innovative, rooted, and globally resonant. We are proud to support initiatives that honour our artistic legacy while inspiring new narratives,” said Prakash Magdum, MD NFDC. 

Preserving Handloom Heritage

Speaking about the collaborative effort and saree as a fashion statement and a philosophy, Shikha Ajmera, renowned artist and promoter of the brand, said, “IFFI has provided a big support for the artists and artisans. This helps us in promoting India’s cultural heritage on the global scale”.

Shikha’s Kariigarii is a social enterprise committed to preserving Indian handloom traditions, empowering artisans, and presenting heritage weaves in contemporary formats. More than 100 award-winning artists from different parts of the Country are working with the brand.