In the shadow of Telangana’s ancient 1000 Pillar Temple and the UNESCO-listed Ramappa Temple, sixty Miss World 2025 contestants transformed into ambassadors of Indian heritage. Draped in handwoven sarees and ghaghras (Indian dresses), they brought global attention not only to India’s monuments but also to its rich textile traditions.
Behind the powerful styling was Hyderabad’s celebrated textile revivalist Gaurang Shah, tasked with dressing the delegates for their cultural tour of Telangana. Known for elevating Indian handlooms into global couture, Shah orchestrated a vibrant display of India’s weaving legacy.
“To represent Indian handlooms on such a global stage—and to do it at sites that are living museums of our heritage—was deeply emotional,” says Shah.
He curated weaves from across Telangana, including Gadwal with its intricate zari borders, Narayanpet’s signature checks, and the iconic Pochampally Ikkats. Each location became a stage, with traditional garments styled in a way that reflected both spirituality and strength.
The showcase became more than a fashion moment—it was textile diplomacy, a dialogue between global cultures stitched in Indian threads. In an age of fast fashion, Shah’s curation stood as a powerful case for sustainable, soulful fashion rooted in heritage.
A Regal Moment for Miss India Nandini Gupta
At the Miss World 2025 grand opening in Hyderabad, Miss India Nandini Gupta captivated the audience in a handcrafted Gaurang Shah ensemble. She wore a Jamdani ghaghra with a saree-draped dupatta, woven from khadi yarn and adorned with gold zari leharia motifs.
The standout feature: a ‘Bangdi Mor’ pattern—four peacocks within a bangle—emblematic of Maharashtra’s design heritage. “This textile took nearly three years to weave, with eight artisans dedicating themselves to perfecting every detail,” Shah reveals.
Set on an ivory base with shimmering gold, the ensemble blended traditional richness with contemporary elegance. “Miss World offered the perfect stage for that dialogue to continue,” Shah says.
Through these looks, Gaurang Shah stitched a national narrative—one where handlooms are not relics, but living legacies in motion.
