Ms. Srimoyi Bhattacharya, Founder, Peepul Advisory
Make in India Meets French Innovation: Vision to Reality
India has long been celebrated as a land of rich craft traditions, with its textiles, weaves, embroideries, and artisanal skills finding admirers in France and across the globe. From the looms of Varanasi to the block printers of Jaipur, the country’s craft ecosystem is not only a cultural legacy but also a source of sustainable livelihood for millions of artisans. In recent years, the “Make in India” initiative has given this heritage a new momentum, inspiring both global brands and homegrown labels to reimagine India’s artisanal strengths for contemporary markets.
At the same time, France—synonymous with luxury, couture, and innovation—represents the pinnacle of fashion excellence. French design houses have continually led the world with their ever-evolving creativity, technical finesse, and ability to transform craft into a contemporary aesthetic. When these two worlds converge—India’s artisanal depth and France’s innovative design sensibilities—the outcome is not just collaboration but co-creation: a vision brought to reality.
This synergy is most vividly illustrated by Dior’s association with the Chanakya School of Craft in Mumbai, where Indian artisans trained in traditional techniques collaborated with the French luxury house to produce extraordinary embroidery and textile artistry. In Dior’s Mumbai show in 2023, elaborate hand embroidery created by Chanakya artisans became the highlight, showcasing how centuries-old craft could seamlessly integrate with the bold vision of a French couture brand. This collaboration not only celebrated India’s craft but also elevated it to global runways, positioning artisans as co-creators rather than mere suppliers.
Another shining example is Hermès’ long-standing engagement with Indian craftsmanship. From scarves inspired by Indian motifs to the use of traditional silks, Hermès has repeatedly drawn on India’s artisanal wealth to bring authenticity and storytelling into its collections. Similarly, Jean-François Lesage, an eminent French embroidery artist and scion of the Lesage lineage, established a workshop in Chennai that continues to produce exquisite hand embroidery. His atelier stands as a living testimony to the power of Indo-French creative exchange, where heritage meets innovation every single day.
For artisans, this meeting of traditions is transformative. Imagine a Banarasi weaver who has preserved techniques for generations, now working with Indian or French designers who apply cutting-edge fabric technologies to create lighter, more versatile weaves that appeal to global consumers. Or an embroidery cluster in Lucknow reinterpreting chikankari motifs for haute couture gowns showcased in Paris. These collaborations elevate the gifted hand of traditional techniques to being recognized as contemporary luxury.
More importantly, the exchange is not one-sided. While France brings innovation, precision, and global brand recognition, India offers scale, sustainability, and authenticity. At a time when fashion is under scrutiny for its environmental footprint, Indian craft provides answers through hand-made, low-waste, and slow processes. Pairing this with French research into biodegradable textiles and smart design systems offers a blueprint for the future of responsible fashion.
As the world grows more interconnected, “Make in India meets French Innovation” is more than a slogan—it is a vision of inclusivity, sustainability, and shared excellence. It represents a tableau blending two worlds which merge in joint creativity. The result is a new narrative of craft and fashion where India’s legacy and France’s innovation do not just meet, but together, shape the future.