Sonal Desai showcases traditional Maldhari craftsmanship through FLAPPER6’s Summer 2027 collection, “BECOMING”
Gujarat’s rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship received international recognition at London Fashion Week, where Sonal Desai, founder of fashion brand FLAPPER6, presented a collection celebrating the intricate embroidery of the Rabari community.
The fashion show, held on September 20, 2026, at Fashion Scout Protein Studios in central London, featured around 25 designer outfits from FLAPPER6’s Summer 2027 collection, titled BECOMING. The collection showcased traditional Rabari embroidery alongside hand embroidery, mirror and beadwork, hand painting, wool, leather and digital printing techniques.
Desai, who hails from the Maldhari community of Randheja, Gandhinagar, brought together India’s traditional craftsmanship and contemporary luxury fashion. The collection attracted attention for its vibrant colour combinations, distinctive embroidery patterns and the cultural stories reflected in the garments.
Speaking about the achievement, Desai said presenting the embroidery traditions of her community at London Fashion Week was a matter of immense pride for her, her community and the country.
“I dedicate this international achievement to my entire community. Rabari embroidery is not merely decorative work on fabric; it represents our rich cultural heritage and identity,” she said.
Desai added that taking Rabari embroidery to the international stage had been a childhood dream. She credited more than 80 women associated with the brand for their contribution to bringing the collection to life, highlighting their hard work in showcasing the community’s traditional skills to a global audience.
FLAPPER6 co-founder Shailesh Desai said the approximately 25 designer outfits, presented by different models, were developed around the Make in India theme. The collection aimed to combine India’s rich handicraft traditions with contemporary design while meeting international quality standards.
The showcase marked an important milestone for FLAPPER6 in its efforts to introduce traditional Indian embroidery and indigenous craftsmanship to the global fashion industry.
