India has one of the finest and most diverse textile industries in the world: from the incredibly intricate work of master craftsmen who take two years to embroider one shawl, to handloom weavers in villages, to the modern mills that supply some of the world's most competitive markets.

Luxury big-name brands from Italy to the UK to France and the U.S., as well as major retailers, increasingly draw on the creative capacity and skills of Indian suppliers to meet their need for high-end, top quality products.

Indian-owned labels, such as Shades of India have blazed a trail internationally for Indian design talent which is now much in demand. Our collections celebrate that achievement.

Fair trade: The use of India's rich textile traditions in contemporary fashion and homewares sustains and revives craft techniques, creates jobs and helps communities.

The World Bank recently invited Shades of India to Washington to talk to development experts about how the company has established village craft centres employing women workers. Profitable trade that benefits all parties in the chain is one of the most effective means of sustainable development.

Our business strives to operate according to those principles. Our suppliers have strict factory standards and are audited by internationally recognised firms.