Founded by mechanical engineering graduates and classmates Jithu Gopakumar and Vishnu Girija Gopal, Naeth is a contemporary fashion label from Kerala that bridges heritage with modern design. Inspired by the state’s rich textile traditions, the duo transforms handloom into contemporary silhouettes through innovative fabrics, technical textiles, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Their vision is simple yet powerful: to make India’s weaving traditions relevant for today’s generation while preserving the stories behind every thread. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. At Naeth, we reinterpret traditional handloom through contemporary fashion. Our collections transform heritage textiles into modern, wearable silhouettes that appeal to younger audiences while preserving the craftsmanship, stories, and cultural significance woven into every fabric. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with? We work closely with the weavers of Balaramapuram, Kerala, a community renowned for its centuries-old weaving tradition. Their handcrafted sarees and mundus are celebrated for their precision, purity, and exceptional craftsmanship, making every textile a reflection of Kerala’s rich cultural legacy. 3.How does your brand support sustainability and responsible craftsmanship? Sustainability is central to our design philosophy. We upcycle traditional handloom textiles into contemporary garments, reducing waste while extending the life of these fabrics. Alongside direct collaborations with artisans and limited-batch production, we also experiment with eco-conscious materials such as bamboo fibres and recycled PET fabrics. 4.What is the biggest challenge facing India’s handloom sector today? One of the biggest challenges is changing the perception that handloom belongs only to traditional wear. We believe handloom deserves a place in contemporary fashion. At the same time, we’re working towards creating greater value for artisan communities by reducing dependence on intermediaries and promoting fair recognition for their craftsmanship. 5.What does National Handloom Day mean to Naeth? For us, National

Founded by Lavika Singhvi, a Udaipur-born entrepreneur with a deep connection to India’s artistic heritage, Kawaii is redefining luxury sarees through the lens of wearable art. Inspired by Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy, Lavika brings together rare handcrafted traditions from across India, including Pichwai, Ajrakh, Madhubani, Batik, and Bandhani. As a Pichwai Certified and ODOP Verified brand, Kawaii works directly with master artisans to preserve authenticity and support traditional craftsmanship. Each saree is envisioned as a timeless heirloom, celebrating heritage, artistry, and the stories woven into every creation. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. Kawaii was born from my desire to transform India’s rich artistic heritage into wearable art for the modern woman. Growing up in Udaipur, a city surrounded by art, culture, and royal traditions, I developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and stories behind Indian textiles. Through Kawaii, we bring together diverse Indian art forms such as Pichwai, Madhubani, Batik, Ajrakh, and Bandhani on luxurious handloom fabrics. Our focus is on preserving authenticity while presenting these traditional crafts in a contemporary format. As a Pichwai Certified and ODOP Verified brand, we work closely with original artisans and artists, ensuring their skills are recognised, valued, and carried forward to future generations. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with, and what makes their craftsmanship unique? We work with artisan communities across India, including Pichwai artists from Udaipur, Madhubani artists from Bihar, Ajrakh craftsmen from Gujarat and Rajasthan, Bandhani artisans, Batik artists, and traditional handloom weavers. Each craft represents generations of knowledge and storytelling. Pichwai is deeply connected to Rajasthan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, with artists creating intricate hand-painted narratives. Madhubani celebrates symbolic storytelling through detailed motifs, while Ajrakh and Batik showcase complex dyeing techniques perfected over

GAURANG is one of India’s foremost luxury handloom brands, renowned for reviving and reimagining the iconic Jamdani weave. For over three decades, Gaurang Shah has worked alongside artisan communities across India, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create timeless textiles. Through its dedicated loom clusters, GAURANG has empowered over a thousand artisans while preserving India’s rich weaving heritage through innovation, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. For me, GAURANG has always been about textiles before fashion. My journey began with a fascination for handwoven fabrics and evolved into a lifelong commitment to preserving India’s weaving traditions, particularly the intricate Jamdani weave. Working closely with artisan communities, we have built loom clusters that strengthen weaving ecosystems, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for traditional skills to flourish. Through our collections and showcases across India and internationally, I strive to present Indian handlooms as timeless works of art that remain relevant to contemporary audiences while staying true to their heritage. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with, and what makes their craftsmanship unique? I work extensively with Jamdani weavers and artisan communities across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and several textile clusters throughout India. Through the GAURANG loom clusters, we collaborate with artisans to develop fine cottons, silks, and innovative handwoven textiles while preserving the integrity of traditional weaving techniques. What makes Jamdani extraordinary is its painstaking process: every motif is woven by hand, thread by thread, directly on the loom. The precision, patience, and craftsmanship involved ensure that every sari is unique, carrying the unmistakable signature of the artisan who created it. 3.Sustainability is at the heart of handloom. What ethical or sustainable practices does your brand follow? Handloom is inherently sustainable, relying on