Anita Dongre unveils Crafts of India, an Autumn/Winter 2025 couture collection that pays tribute to India’s extraordinary textile intelligence. Reinterpreted for the modern woman, the collection expresses time-honoured craft legacies from India across suit sets, elegant lehengas, signature drapes, modern dresses, contemporary co-ords, and statement jacket sets.

An ode to the artisans who have nurtured their craft across generations, the collection celebrates the rich craft heritage of India, perfected over centuries, and preserved as heirloom traditions. Time-revered crafts of hand-block printed Ajrakh, hand-painted Pichhwai, handcrafted Bandhani and the craft of hand-embroidery by SEWA (Self-Employed Women’s Association) come together to create a craft legacy featured on inky blacks and blues, sunlit yellows and golds, nature-inspired sages and limes & jewel-toned reds, and pinks.

“Crafts of India is a homage to the artisans who keep these traditions alive,” says Anita Dongre. “By reimagining age-old techniques in timeless yet modern forms, we aim to empower the livelihoods of artisans and ensure these crafts remain relevant for generations to come.”

The collection explores the art of Ajrakh, from its origins in Bhuj, Gujarat, as a rare hand-block printing tradition that follows a sixteen-step process of washing, dyeing, printing, and drying over a period of 30 days, forming patterns that emerge slowly over weeks and months - a testament to the patience and skill of its makers. The Benarasi weave has been handwoven for over two centuries and serves as the epitome of heirloom Indian crafts. Months of meticulous weaving bring to life motifs of flora and fauna in resplendent gold and silver threads, creating pieces that are treasured for generations. Bandhani also finds its roots in Gujarat, and is a resist-dyeing technique crafted within the homes of artisans. Tiny knots are tied by practiced hands and are then dyed to unveil beautiful patterns.

Continuing the brand’s journey with handcrafted Pichhwai and SEWA, this collection features the lush flora & fauna of the forest. Hand-painted by indigenous artisans who bring the craft alive with meticulous detail, carrying forward the heritage of the 400-year-old craft of Pichhwai paintings. The hand-embroidered pieces, created over 25-60 days, are crafted by the women of SEWA. This not only preserves their heritage skill of hand-embroidery learnt over generations but also empowers the women artisans with sustainable livelihoods.

Rooted in authenticity and quality, these crafts have evolved over time because they remain true to technique and embrace change. The brand continues to support their evolution through thoughtful design, advocacy, and fair livelihoods. With this collection, the house reaffirms its commitment to the ecosystem of Indian craft and the communities behind it.