Artistic brilliance is constant in fashion. It’s the prettiest reminder of heritage and handicraft commands premium because of the finite source of its artistry. Passed down generations in the villages of India, handcrafted products in fashion and accessories have had a loyal fan base. 

The Indian handicrafts market has grown significantly, reaching a market size of $3,968 mn in 2022, according to a recent report by IMARC Group. The Indian handicrafts market is expected to grow at a steady pace and reach $6,218.4 mn by 2028, representing a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.7% from 2023 to 2028. 

As per a report by the IMARC Group, the share of handicrafts was $3,968 million in 2022. This is expected to reach $6,218.4 million by 2028, at a CAGR of 7.7% during 2023-2028. This growth can be attributed to factors such as e-commerce helping artisans access an international customer base and collaborations between designers and artisans for inclusive global fashion. International consumers are contributing to the growth of Indian handicrafts' market share and this momentum will increase with rising awareness around handicraft as a self-sustainable and profitable ecosystem. 

Premium and Self-sustaining

Handicrafts offer artisanal products that appeal to conscious consumers seeking authenticity and sustainability. Traditional techniques from local artisans are the lifeblood of this industry, and handicraft fashion has become a steady, niche market that contributes to economic growth while preserving cultural heritage.

“It also aligns seamlessly with environmental sustainability. In an era marked by fast fashion's adverse impacts, our focus on artisanal creations involves fewer resources, reduced carbon emissions, and minimal reliance on machinery, which is what conscious consumers seek in ethical fashion,” says Ritu Oberoi, Founder, ForSarees, a brand specializing in intricate and forgotten crafts that are minimalistic and constitutes weaves like Sozni and Ari. 

Handicraft can provide numerous benefits while encouraging fair compensation in India, believes Anu Mehra, Fashion Designer and Founder, Charisma. “The employment potential in handicrafts is vast, especially in rural areas where artisans possess specialized skills. Distinctiveness of handicrafts sets them apart in an era of mass production, catering to consumers seeking individuality. With their intricate designs and cultural stories, Indian handicrafts have international appeal, presenting an opportunity for local market growth and global exports,” she says. 

Mehra argues that although training and standardization procedures are vital for quality check, usage of tools must not overwhelm time-tested techniques. By investing in skill development, leveraging technology, and fostering market linkages, India can propel its handicrafts into a thriving and self-sustaining fashion vertical, benefiting artisans, the economy, and cultural heritage.

From Bridal to Pret-wear

Indian bridal wear has historically featured a significant share of handcrafted dress materials. Handcrafted elements such as intricate embroidery, beadwork, (metallic thread) work, velvet, embellishments, weaving, and intricate handwoven fabrics like silk, brocade, have been integral to creating elaborate Indian bridal ensembles for centuries. These techniques add a sense of luxury, cultural richness, and individuality to the outfits.

Over the years, the trend has evolved as fashion tastes have changed and global influences have come into play. “There has been steady use of chikankari, brocade, pure silk, Kashidakari, Aari embroidery, patchwork, etc. Bridal wear for once has become more wearable because of this shift in color, lighter fabrics and multi-use. Also, the modern woman of today wishes to stay true to her roots while experimenting with westernized silhouettes on her big day,” says Shruti Gupta, Founder, Shaza Lifestyle.

As consumers become more conscious of the environmental and social impact of their clothing choices, there's a growing demand for sustainable and ethically produced garments. Handcrafted details, such as embroidery, prints, and hand-painted designs, add a touch of individuality to daily wear. Fusion of traditional techniques and modern designs work impeccably well. 

These techniques are often associated with small-batch or limited-edition production. This aligns with the trend toward slow fashion, where quality and longevity are prioritized over fast, disposable fashion. 

Innovative Concepts

Handloom and handicrafts can’t be mass-produced, a fact that ensures design diversity. The fabrics are more durable and eco-friendly after being made by locally produced raw materials, minimal use of power and application of natural or azo-free dyes. 

It augurs well for brands to work directly with skilled artisans across India. Proper investment ensures consistency in employment and projects for artisans. This essentially boils down to a collaborative design process where artisans actively participate in discussions about product development, share insights and infuse traditional techniques into contemporary designs. Such processes lead to landmark projects such as the Paithani saree by Asha Gautam, which secured a place among the top 50 pieces nationwide in the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour. This involved the incorporation of landscape artwork into Paithani textiles, leveraging the unique tapestry technique. 

Then there is the ‘Ekla Cholo Saree’, a range infusing the ancient Jamdani technique in Dabu block printing, in which ForSarees have used excerpts from a Bengali poem by Rabindranath Tagore, all block-printed in natural dyes on cotton and silks. 

Be it the casual Indian wear range titled ‘Tarang’ by Anu Mehra, or ‘Disruption’, a series of hand-painted stole by Shaza, sky is really the limit for customisation and innovation in this sector.

“Presently, our focus is on reviving the art of knots, aiming to establish it as synonymous with our brand. This craft demands extensive labor and intricate work, practiced by only a handful of artists across the country,” says Gautam Gupta, co-owner, Asha Gautam.