Woven Legacies Exhibition, held for the first time in Istanbul from 27-29 November 2025 at Metrohan, celebrated India’s rich textile heritage. Hosted in collaboration with the Consulate General of India, this gathering brought together collectors, textile enthusiasts, experts, designers and artists for conversations on India’s textile tradition and their evolving role in contemporary design and culture. The most beautiful aspect of organizing such events is meeting new people and witnessing the new perspectives that emerge from the interaction of different ideas. The support Consul General Mijito Vinito has shown for this project—and the inspiring story of Princess Esra, have been among the most precious parts of this journey.
The exhibition was an opportunity to display rare pieces, notably a collection from the last Nizam of Hyderabad at Chowmahalla Palace, presented to the public for the very first time. I am deeply grateful to Esra Birgen for her unwavering support. The collection she brought from Chowmahalla Palace – being presented to an audience for the very first time – and her presence with us during the event marks her as the symbol of keeping heritage alive.
Along with the Chowmahalla Palace collection, Şeref Özen showcased an invaluable group of kaftans and shawls. Şeref, a textile enthusiast for more than two decades, traces the memory of each textile he collects.
Kashweave, born from the timeless artistry of Kashmir, is a contemporary brand dedicated to preserving the region’s age-old weaving traditions. Two antique shawls from Kashmir, both dated to the 19th century, along with rugs and modern shawls, were displayed to show his passion for continuity.
Kashmir Loom, Tarun Tahiliani and Injiri, leading Indian textile brands who carry that tradition into the future, showed the beauty of their collections, each with its own distinctive design language. The techniques are traditional but the garments are modern.
Kashmirloom’s woven and embroidered shawls from the beautiful lake capital of Kashmir Valley have been infused with a modern soul. The company has endeavoured to preserve heritage while fostering its progress. Their great inspiration is Kashmir, ranging from the valley’s unique location to weavers’ talented hands.
For Tarun Tahiliani, ‘all that we were and more’ has always been a ruling philosophy, guiding him to create female silhouettes rooted in India’s heritage of draped forms.
Injiri, meaning “real India,” is a textile and clothing brand founded by Chinar Farooqui in 2009. Rooted in the beauty of hand-weaving traditions, the brand celebrates India’s living craft heritage through thoughtful storytelling, textile innovation and the sustainable use of materials. Guided by simplicity and artisanal techniques, Injiri creates garments and home textiles that resonate with audiences around the world.
