Surajkund International Art and Cultural Mela organised a spectacular fashion show themed ‘Sarees of India’ by Fashion Designer Shikha Ajmera, Founder Shikha’s Kariigarii.
One of India’s largest crafts fairs, the annual Surajkund International Art & Cultural Mela continues to be a testament to India’s living heritage, where every art form, from traditional crafts to contemporary fashion, finds its voice. This year with a grand celebration of rich cultural tapestry of India, the 38th edition of Surajkund International Art & Cultural Mela, Faridabad, featured an extensive array of events and performances, culminating in a magnificent fashion extravaganza titled “Sarees of India” by Fashion Designer Shikha Ajmera.
Adding to the cultural mosaic, “Sarees of India” fashion showcase, exemplified commitment to preserving and promoting India’s rich cultural tapestry while embracing modern interpretations. In the words of Shikha Ajmera, “By honouring the timeless elegance of Indian Handloom sarees with multiple captivating thematic sequences starting from ‘Tribal to modern art,’ ‘Sarees of Elegance’, ‘From the weavers: Handlooms of India’, to ‘Silks of India’ and ‘Inclusivity and Diversity,’ Sarees of India presents an eye-catching visual journey through India’s diverse textile traditions, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship and artistic excellence that went into creating these six-yard wonders.”
The breathtaking collection by Fashion Designer Shikha Ajmera stole the show with its exclusive showcase, featuring exquisitely hand-painted sarees that represent a groundbreaking fusion of tribal artistry and modern design aesthetics. Each piece in the collection narrated a story of artistic evolution, where age-old tribal motifs were reimagined through a contemporary lens. Sarees including the hand-paintings of Pichwai, Pattachitra, Warli, Chittara, Madhubani, Gonda, fusion and modern Art forms stood as a testament to the brand’s commitment to preserving traditional art forms while making them relevant for modern fashion enthusiasts.
The fashion gala brought together some of the industry’s finest talents with concept and design by renowned fashion designer and celebrity stylist Sandesh Navalakha, choreography by dynamic duo of Alesia and Anjali Raut, and the host international personality Kristine Zedek. Their creative vision, unparalleled expertise, and mesmerizing runway experience engaged the audience with their luminous presence.
About Shikha Ajmera:
Shikha Ajmera traded her ‘accounting skills (as she is CA) for paintbrushes’ to bring India’s traditional art to life. Through her brand Shikha’s Kariigarii, she’s turning beautiful sarees into canvases, painting everything from tribal patterns to modern designs by hand. With a widespread recognition across India, Shikha’s work has been praised at BharatTex, International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Indian Art, Architecture and Design Biennale (IAADB), Indian government’s ODOP program, the luxury brand Taj Khazana and many more. In a world full of machine-made clothes, she is doing something different. Currently, working with 100+ skilled artists from across the country, Shikha made them a part of Shikha’s Kariigarii to create one-of-a-kind pieces that tell stories of India’s rich culture. Each saree she creates isn’t just clothing – it’s a piece of art that keeps traditional crafts alive.
