Guwahati: Arunachal Pradesh is set to host Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 – The Artisans’ Movement from March 14 to 21 at Interior Park, Naharlagun.
Organised by the Department of Textile & Handicrafts, the event aims to strengthen the state’s textile and handicraft sector. The inaugural ceremony on March 14 will be attended by the Chief Minister.
The 2026 edition marks five years of the Artisans’ Movement in Arunachal Pradesh and eleven years since the first Northeast India Fashion Week in Itanagar in April 2015.
Over the past decade, the platform has connected designers, indigenous weavers, creative professionals, entrepreneurs, and policymakers.
The opening evening, themed “Night of Opulence,” will feature runway shows highlighting indigenous weaves and contemporary fashion designs. March 15 has been designated Cultural Heritage Day, focusing on designer-artisan collaborations and traditional textiles from across the state.
From March 16 to 20, the venue will host a public exhibition and engagement hub, including designer runway segments, exhibition-cum-sale counters, handloom and handicraft displays, furniture showcases, and structured buyer–artisan interactions.
The event will conclude on March 21 with the Arunachal Fashion Week Awards Night, recognising categories such as Model of the Year, Best Fashion Designer, Best Weave Designer/Weaver, and Youth Excellence Recognition.
According to department officials, the event provides a structured platform for showcasing textiles professionally, expanding market access, and promoting skill development among artisans, particularly women weavers.
The department has been working across remote regions to support traditional artisans through capacity building, skill development, and self-employment initiatives.
The 2026 edition is youth-focused, offering opportunities for emerging designers, first-time runway models, and young creative professionals to gain industry exposure.
The event combines heritage craftsmanship with contemporary design, fostering economic growth within Arunachal Pradesh’s creative sector.
Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 is expected to draw national attention to sustainable fashion and indigenous textiles, positioning the state as a key player in India’s fashion and creative economy.