About Vidhi Singhania


Revivalist of Indian Handlooms, Textile Exponent, Craft Protagonist & Designer
Known for aesthetic and dexterous detailing of rich, textured weaves and couture emanating elegance, grandeur & quality; an undying passion for Indian textiles, its heritage & culture, and over two decades spent for the betterment of weavers

Journey & Experience

1994: Moved to Kotah, Rajasthan; Introduction to textiles, fashion and weavers
Witnessed a grim situation where weavers were giving up their traditional crafts, often migrating to cities because of lack of patronage for their work and looking for jobs that could sustain their families; decided to work towards assisting the weavers, keeping their looms busy throughout the year, and make them feel proud of their inheritance
• Started designing saris with the Kota karigars for corporate gifting. Energy and aesthetics combined with the weavers’ skills revived Kota doria into an avant-garde style statement
• Added intricacy and value to the weaves by combining Indian craft techniques, including the stunning Gota pattis, leheriyas, and the immaculate batiks, block printing and embroideries
• Weavers such as Mustakin Kachara, Siraj Ahmed, Rafiq bhai, Nassir Mohammad, Zakhir Hussain, amongst many significant others, have been an integral part of learning and accomplishments. From a Shaista booti to a Shameena or Noor Jahan jaal, all designs are named after the weavers’ wives and daughters

2002: Extended work to Varanasi – working with Kataan Silks, Satins, Gheecha, Koras, Organzas and Georgettes

2003: A One-Stop-Shop for a Woman – Expansion into Bridal & Trousseau Ensembles, Blouses, Stoles & Potlis and the Vidhi Home Collection

Awards & Recognition

Since 2000: Veteran member of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), been a distinguished panelist in many forums discussing the Indian Handloom Sector
2008: Recipient of the International Women’s Entrepreneurial (IWEC) Awards, bestowed by Indian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI-FLO) & Manhattan Chamber of Commerce (MCC)
2016: Received The Sunday Standard Devi Award & the CNBC - TV18’s True Legends Award, for her unconditional & unparalleled endeavors in the revival, protection & conservation of India’s Art & Heritage
2017: Board Member, Art & Culture Committee, Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI)

Government Partnerships

2008: Approached by the Scindias of Gwalior to create a revival Chanderi collection
2016-2019: Associated with Rajasthan Heritage Week season II & III, Walking Hand-in-Hand with the Weavers
2017: Working with Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) and Chairman, Mr. Vinay Kumar Saxena in his endeavour to promote and project Khadi as a brand, as a product which is environmental-friendly, as a product which is good for the country – Purchased 5 looms and 10 master weavers, 25 charkas and 25 spinners to launch a new collection

Projects

2019: Costume Design and Styling for Devika Bhise playing the Lead Role of Rani Lakshmibai in Producer & Director, Swati Bhise’s foreign production, The Warrior Queen of Jhansi