Pastel handloom sarees
RisingDusty rose, powder blue and lavender on handloom bases.
Festive 26RisingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28FadingDesign Capsule · India 2026–28
Design Capsule: Handloom quiet luxury
Chanderi, Maheshwari, khadi and tussar in calm colours, with little embellishment and beautiful cloth.
Forecut Editorial · 11 October 2026
Download PDF ↓Mood and colour
Ivory
11-0104 TCX
#F3ECDC
11-0104 TCX
#F3ECDC
Sage
15-6414 TCX
#9FAE8F
15-6414 TCX
#9FAE8F
Champagne gold
14-0935 TCX
#D8C08A
14-0935 TCX
#D8C08A
Dusty rose
15-1611 TCX
#D9A3A6
15-1611 TCX
#D9A3A6
Pantone TCX (cotton) codes are the nearest match to the screen colour; confirm against a physical Pantone book and lab dips before production.
Why? Shoppers want pieces that feel special but can be worn again. Handloom also carries a clear sustainability story, and the government-backed khadi push keeps it visible.
What? Craft leads, ornament steps back. Designers showed handloom cotton, Chanderi, handspun khadi and tussar in loose, relaxed shapes with minimal surface work and even raw, unfinished edges.
Who's showing it?
- AK|OK by Anamika Khanna: Handloom cotton and Chanderi, loose drapes, raw edges
- Péro by Aneeth Arora: Handwoven everyday wear
- Kartik Research: Handspun khadi with Rabari embroidery
Key pieces
Forecut flat sketches with reference photos, ready to brief into design.
Forecut flat
Straight kurta with band collar
PeakingStraight kurtas with a Nehru (band) collar and churidar or straight trousers.
Festive 26PeakingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28PeakingForecut flat
Linen kurta sets
RisingBreathable linen and cotton-silk for relaxed celebrations.
Festive 26RisingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28Fading
Tone-on-tone embroidery
RisingEmbroidery in the fabric colour for quiet luxury.
Festive 26RisingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28Fading
Chanderi
PeakingLight, sheer Madhya Pradesh weave for kurtas, sarees and jackets.
Festive 26PeakingSummer 27PeakingFestive 27PeakingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28PeakingForecut flat
Raw, unfinished edges
EmergingDeliberately unfinished edges, as shown by AK|OK.
Festive 26EmergingSummer 27RisingFestive 27RisingSummer 28PeakingFestive 28PeakingPrice guide (India)
| Key garment | Value | Mid | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Handloom kurta set | ₹1,499–2,999 | ₹3,500–8,000 | ₹15,000+ |
| Chanderi or Maheshwari saree | ₹1,999–3,999 | ₹5,000–12,000 | ₹25,000+ |
| Linen or khadi men's kurta | ₹999–1,999 | ₹2,500–5,000 | ₹9,000+ |
Cost to make: Medium. True handloom has longer lead times and minimums. Use handloom for hero pieces and powerloom Chanderi-look or cotton-silk for value ranges.
How to build the capsule
- Build a calm-colour handloom capsule: kurta sets, sarees and men's kurtas.
- Swap heavy embroidery for tone-on-tone work at the neckline and cuffs.
- Tell the weave and cluster story on the label and product page.
Sources: Free Press Journal and Harper's Bazaar India, Lakmé Fashion Week 2026; Aza Fashions, ethnic trends 2026.