New Zealand Fashion Week (NZFW) will present a showcase of Indian designers working with Khadi, the country's traditional handspun and handwoven textile, as part of a new partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
The showcase, titled Khadi Beyond Borders, will take place on August 18 during NZFW 2026 in Auckland. It marks the first initiative under a memorandum of understanding signed between FDCI and NZFW during the New Zealand prime minister's trade mission to India earlier this year.
The agreement establishes a reciprocal platform for designers from both countries to showcase internationally.
Rajesh Pratap Singh will headline the presentation with a solo showcase, followed by a collaborative runway featuring Samant Chauhan, Shruti Sancheti and Pawan Sachdeva.
NZFW owner Feroz Ali said the showcase was the origin point for a planned Fashion Design Council of New Zealand (FDCNZ), details of which will be announced at the opening of NZFW on August 17.
“When Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and Minister Piyush Goyal witnessed the signing of our MOU with FDCI, we made a promise to both nations: that this partnership would produce something the world would notice,” Ali said. “Khadi Beyond Borders is that promise kept.
“Rajesh Pratap Singh headlining NZFW is a statement. Samant Chauhan, Shruti Sancheti and Pawan Sachdeva joining him is a movement. Together, they will show Auckland — and the global fashion community watching — that Khadi is not simply heritage. In the hands of India’s finest designers, Khadi is the future.
“In creating FDCNZ, we are placing New Zealand firmly on the map of global fashion diplomacy. August 18 is just the beginning.”
FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi said the collaboration would strengthen Khadi's international profile, pointing to his prior work as advisor to the Khadi and Village Industries Commission promoting the fabric to global audiences.
"FDCI signed an MOU in the presence of the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Rt Hon Christopher Luxon, the Hon'ble Minister of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, Piyush Goyal, and Feroz Ali, Chairman of New Zealand Fashion Week,” Sethi said. “This collaboration will further strengthen Khadi's position on the global fashion map.
“During my tenure as Advisor to Khadi and Village Industries Commission, I have consistently worked towards showcasing the limitless potential of this extraordinary fabric to discerning audiences worldwide. We are delighted to bring the essence of Khadi to New Zealand and present its rich heritage, versatility and contemporary relevance to a new international audience."
Once associated with India's independence movement, Khadi has become recognised internationally for its craftsmanship and sustainable production credentials.
FDCI represents more than 400 members across Indian fashion and runs events including Lakme Fashion Week and India Couture Week. Public tickets to Khadi Beyond Borders are on sale now.