Naharlagun: Arunachal Fashion Week (AFW) 2026 – The Artisans’ Movement started at Interior Park, Naharlagun, with the inaugural programme, “AFW Night of Opulence.” The eight-day event, running from March 14 to 21, showcases indigenous textiles, contemporary fashion, and creative enterprise in Arunachal Pradesh.
Organised by the Department of Textile & Handicrafts, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, the event also marks the five-year milestone of the Artisans’ Movement, a platform connecting traditional weavers, designers, and young creative professionals while supporting the growth of indigenous fashion and textile enterprises in the state.
The fashion week was opened by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, in the presence of Chau Zingnu Namchoom, MLA, 47-Namsai, Commissioner of Textile & Handicrafts Nyali Ete, Director Dorjee Phuntso, designers, artisans, and members of the creative industry.
The evening included the unveiling of a Textile & Tribal Fusion Concept Installation, presenting Arunachal’s weaving traditions alongside modern design interpretations.
Chief Minister Khandu said, “Platforms like Arunachal Fashion Week are giving traditional weaving a modern stage and a global voice. Arunachal produces nearly 69 metric tonnes of Eri, Muga, and Mulberry silk annually, providing employment to over 34,000 people in around 500 sericulture villages.” He added that the government has proposed five new sericulture initiatives worth Rs 25 crore, including the Young Silk Weaver Skill Development Initiative, and plans to set up the Arunachal Creative Economy Cell to support artists and creative professionals.
Women’s participation in textile and handicraft enterprises remains a key focus. Through the Arunachal State Rural Livelihoods Mission, over 1.5 lakh women have joined nearly 16,000 Self-Help Groups, many of whom work in weaving and related textile activities.
The inaugural runway featured collections from designers and weavers across the state, including Mibi Bagra, Mobang Darang, Zenith Khonjuju, Ralte Ellie Perme Miwu, Wangmu Bapu Jyoti Dada, and Nang Angie Namchoom, along with a presentation by weaver Jiyi Ete. Pamcose by Risha Tok and fashion label ATURTO-ORI also participated, concluding with a collective runway finale.
Commissioner Nyali Ete said the fashion week aims to develop a stronger market ecosystem for indigenous textiles, focusing on quality, innovation, and competitiveness. Meena Noshi, COO of Arunachal Fashion Week, noted the long-term goal of promoting indigenous craftsmanship, while Yana Ngoba Chakpu, Founder and CEO of Northeast India Fashion Week – The Artisans’ Movement, said the event connects artisans, designers, and creative professionals across the region.
The evening ended with a Tribal Dinner and Youth Connect session, where the Chief Minister interacted with designers, models, and creative teams. Over 23 designers, more than 50 models, and many weavers from across Arunachal participated on the first day.
A multi-floor Design & Lifestyle Exhibition opened alongside the runway shows, featuring handloom and designer collections, jewellery, home décor, artisan crafts, furniture, and lifestyle products.
On Day 2, the AFW Fashion Extravaganza will include runway shows by designers Metam Veo, Osum Jerang Karlo, Mina Ratan, Nampi Joram, Agasi Tayu, Jumter Angu, and Yajir Mara, a weaver presentation by Yarok Pame, and live performances by Bullo Tajung and Sangey Tsering. Guests include Dasanglu Pul, Minister for Women & Child Development, Cultural Affairs, and Science & Technology, and MLA Nyabi Jini Dirchi.
Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 will continue until March 21, ending with Cultural Heritage Day and the AFW Awards Night, celebrating fashion, modelling, and weaving while promoting the Vocal for Local initiative.