FLAPPER6 founder Sonal Desai showcases 25 designer outfits blending traditional Rabari embroidery with contemporary fashion
Ahmedabad: Gujarat’s traditional craftsmanship received an international showcase at London Fashion Week 2026, as Sonal Desai, a designer from the Maldhari community in Randheja, Gandhinagar, presented her Summer 2027 collection, BECOMING, under her fashion label FLAPPER6.
Held on September 20, 2026, at Fashion Scout’s Protein Studios in Central London, the showcase featured around 25 designer garments that brought together traditional Rabari embroidery, hand embroidery and Jeko beadwork with contemporary design elements. The collection highlighted the artistic traditions of Gujarat’s Maldhari community while exploring their application in modern luxury fashion.
The collection incorporated a diverse range of materials and techniques, including Rabari embroidery, Jeko beadwork, hand painting, wool, leather and digital prints. Through distinctive patterns, vibrant colour combinations and intricate handcrafted detailing, BECOMING presented a fusion of Indian textile heritage and contemporary international fashion.
London Fashion Week, held from September 17 to 21, 2026, brought together designers and fashion professionals from across the world. FLAPPER6 used the platform to showcase the craftsmanship of Gujarat’s traditional artisan community to an international audience.
Sharing her experience, Sonal Desai, founder of FLAPPER6, said, “It is a matter of immense pride for me, our entire community and our country to present the embroidery art of the Maldhari community and receive international recognition at London Fashion Week. I dedicate this achievement to my entire community. Rabari embroidery is not just work on fabric; it represents our rich cultural heritage and identity.”
She added, “Around 25 garments featuring Rabari embroidery, Jeko beadwork, hand painting, wool, leather and digital prints were showcased at the event. My childhood dream of taking the traditional art of Rabari embroidery to the international stage has been realised through FLAPPER6’s participation at London Fashion Week. More than 80 women associated with us have played a vital role in making this dream a reality. Through their dedication and hard work, our community’s identity has reached a global platform.”
Shaileshbhai Desai, co-founder of FLAPPER6, said the collection was developed around the Make in India theme, with a focus on combining India’s traditional handicrafts with contemporary design. He highlighted the brand’s efforts to create designs that preserve indigenous craftsmanship while meeting the expectations of the international fashion market.
The collection also reflected the contribution of the women artisans associated with FLAPPER6, whose skills and craftsmanship played a significant role in bringing the designs to life. By integrating traditional embroidery and beadwork into contemporary silhouettes, the brand aimed to create new opportunities for Gujarat’s artisanal heritage within the global fashion industry.
FLAPPER6’s showcase at London Fashion Week marked an important milestone for the brand and its efforts to bring the craftsmanship of the Maldhari community to a wider audience, reinforcing the relevance of traditional Indian textile arts in contemporary fashion.