India, Jan. 26 -- President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, this year's chief guest at India's 77th Republic Day celebrations, made a quiet yet powerful statement with her choice of attire. Her maroon-and-gold brocade bandhgala jacket, paired with off-white trousers, celebrated Indian craftsmanship in its true sense.

FDCI Chairman Sunil Sethi confirmed that the ensemble was designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh with indications that the Fashion Design Council of India may have coordinated the look. Ursula was seen wearing a handloom-woven silk brocade, crafted in Singh's signature structured style.

Speaking to HT City, Singh says, "The textile is from Banaras, it is a Banarasi brocade. It boldly represents Indian heritage and...