Itanagar/Naharlagun: The eight-day Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 – The Artisans’ Movement wrapped up successfully at Interior Park in Naharlagun, marking a milestone five years of the initiative. The grand finale, observed as Cultural Heritage Day and Awards Night, brought together designers, weavers, artisans, models, creative professionals, and industry stakeholders to celebrate Arunachal Pradesh’s rich indigenous textiles while positioning the state’s craft sector as a key player in India’s growing fashion and creative economy.
Organized by the Department of Textile & Handicrafts, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the event featured runway shows, exhibitions of handloom collections, jewellery, home décor, and furniture, alongside live performances that bridged traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design and market opportunities.
The closing ceremony highlighted excellence across various categories, with notable winners including:
- Millo Antu – Arunachal’s Next Top Model (Miss 2026)
- Tapang Taba – Arunachal’s Next Top Model (Mr 2026)
- Osum Jerang Karlo – Arunachal’s Next Top Fashion Designer 2026
- Jiyi Ete – Arunachal’s Next Top Weaver 2026
- Zenith Khonjuju – Arunachal’s Next Top Emerging Fashion Designer 2026
- Sampi Miri – AFW Showstopper of the Year 2026
- Techi Tana Tara – AFW Most Popular Model of the Year 2026
- Anna Taying Kamdak – AFW Most Fashionable Guest of the Year 2026
- Millo Kari Kago – AFW Outstanding Buyer of the Year 2026
Textile and Handicrafts Minister Nyato Dukam, who attended as chief guest, emphasized the broader vision: “What we are building here is not just a fashion event, but a larger movement—one that preserves our culture, empowers our youth, and positions Arunachal Pradesh as a strong and confident voice.” He highlighted government commitments to market linkages and youth opportunities through indigenous textiles.
The state’s textile sector currently produces nearly 69 metric tonnes of Eri, Muga, and mulberry silk annually, supporting livelihoods for over 34,000 people across approximately 500 villages. Officials announced a proposed ₹25 crore investment in sericulture and skill development initiatives, including the Young Silk Weaver Skill Development Initiative, to scale the sector and nurture the next generation of artisans.
Founder and CEO of Northeast India Fashion Week – The Artisans’ Movement, Yana Ngoba Chakpu, reflected on the journey: “This is the beginning of a larger journey… to take the textiles, weaving practices and stories of the Northeast to bigger national and global platforms.” Organizers expressed plans to expand the platform regionally and build a structured fashion industry ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh.
The event underscored a strategic shift toward viewing traditional textiles as drivers of employment, entrepreneurship, cultural preservation, and regional identity. By connecting artisans with modern markets and empowering youth, the Artisans’ Movement continues to foster sustainable creative industries in one of India’s most culturally diverse states.
Tags: Arunachal Fashion Week 2026, Artisans Movement, Indigenous Textiles Arunachal, Textile Handicrafts Minister Nyato Dukam, Youth Empowerment Arunachal, Sericulture Investment, Northeast Fashion, Cultural Heritage Day, Awards Night Naharlagun, Livelihoods Arunachal
Hashtags: #ArunachalFashionWeek2026 #ArtisansMovement #IndigenousTextiles #ArunachalPradesh #NortheastFashion #YouthEmpowerment #SericultureArunachal #CulturalHeritage #HandloomArunachal #CreativeEconomy
