The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), a non-profit organisation today at the Leela Palace, presented a unique initiative titled ‘Threads of Banaras’, in association with The Ministry of External Affairs as part of the First Ladies’ programme during the ongoing India-Africa Forum Summit III. The collection showcased was beautifully conceptualised by Ekaya and it reverberated with the magnificence of Indian crafts and its creative interpretations through indigenous Banarasi weaves.

The 25-minute show was a collection by Ekaya which ran over four segments and payed a tribute to the vivacity of Banaras and its ubiquitous weavers.  The first segment began with traditional Banarasi saris, followed by ornate lehengas, salwar-kameez and Anarkalis reviving traditional splendour. The final segment showcased modern interpretations of global fashion with traditional weaves.

As Vedic chants filled the air, in keeping with the atmospheric charms of the holy city of Banaras, it transported guests to a golden era of India’s richest textiles, weaves and embroideries.

Sunil Sethi, President, FDCI said, “The authentic treasure of Banarasi weaves and handlooms are priceless and deserve to be showcased at global platforms through either ramps or museums. This remains the biggest strength of our country and we need to tap its vast, untapped potential.” He also took this opportunity, to thank the Ministry of External Affairs, for giving the FDCI, the opportunity for partnering with them for a prestigious event like this. “We delighted about this collaboration, as it is in keeping with our unflinching commitment towards handlooms. It modernised traditional textiles and gave them a sparkling new avatar,” he added.

The fashion show was attended by an august gathering of First Ladies from nations of the Indo-African Summit such as Burundi, Comoros, Angola, Eq. Guinea, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Lesotho, Madagascar, Mali, Mauritius, Namibia, Senegal, South Africa, Swaziland, Tanzania & Uganda. 

The event also witnessed the presence of many distinguished guests from India including Smt. Ameena Jung, Smt. Sunita Kejriwal,  Ms. Jaya Jaitely, Smt. Bharti Singh, Smt. Meenakshi Lekhi, MP, Smt. Lalitha Kumaramangalam, Ms. Neelam Pratap Rudy, Joram Rina Rijiju, Ms. Manju Singh, Ms. Punita Kumar Sinha to name a few.