At the fashion-forward “NAAD – The Sound of the Looms” retrospective by Vaishali Shadangule, Maharani Radhikaraje Gaekwad captivated the audience by wearing a rare, 100‑year‑old Paithani Nauvari sari. The nine-yard drape—an heirloom from her royal family—featured exquisite gold zari motifs and a traditional drape that harks back to Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.
Paired with a modern blouse designed by Vaishali, the Maharani demonstrated how timeless craftsmanship can be beautifully reinterpreted for contemporary fashion. She emphasized the adaptability and enduring elegance of traditional crafts, noting, “You just have to give it your personality … marry old and new.”
Hosted in collaboration with the Ministry of Textiles and Development Commissioner for Handlooms, NAAD celebrated India’s rich handloom tradition—featuring Banarasi, Chanderi, Paithani, and Maheshwari weaves. Maharani Radhikaraje’s appearance underscored the importance of preserving heritage textiles while integrating them into modern aesthetics.
Her ensemble stood as a bold testament to royal legacy, heritage textiles, and the powerful narrative of timeless artistry meeting contemporary fashion.
