India, Jan. 27 -- In a heartwarming gesture towards India's crafts and culture, President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen opted for a quintessentially Indian brocade outfit as Chief Guest at the 77th Republic Day Parade on Monday in Delhi. Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) chairman Sunil Sethi confirms that the ensemble was designed by Rajesh Pratap Singh, with indications that FDCI may have coordinated the look. Speaking to HT City, Singh says, "The textile is from Banaras, it is a Banarasi brocade. It boldly represents Indian heritage and craftsmanship and is a tribute to the weavers." Known for her tailored pantsuits, Ursula's choice of a traditional Indian silhouette marked a notable departure from her usual style. The moment was widely celebrated by Indian designers. Rina Dhaka calls it "a mark of respect towards our rich fashion history and an encouragement to designers like Pratap." Namrata Joshipura echoes the sentiment, adding, "Rajesh Pratap Singh was an exceptionally apt choice. His design language is rooted in Indian craftsmanship, making the ensemble feel authentic and powerful for the occasion." Anju Modi notes that the look "feels global, not strictly Indian or Western. A bandhgala is an international silhouette, and pairing it with Banarasi brocade shows deep respect for our weaving heritage." Suneet Varma says, "In the context of the EU, this was a powerful visual statement of the future of Indian fashion." With several more appearances lined up in the coming days, the fraternity is hopeful that Ursula will continue to spotlight Indian designers. Watch this space for more! Inputs from Navya Sharma...