By NE NOW NEWS
Ziro: The Fashion & Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh (F&DCAP) on Sunday, May 17, conducted the first phase of auditions and registrations for “Apatani’s Next Top Model” at the Hija Youth Association Badminton Hall in Hija village.
The community-based modelling initiative is being organised under the Apatani Fashion Week, which is part of the broader “Arunachal Fashion Week – The Artisans’ Movement” aimed at building an organised indigenous fashion ecosystem in the state.
According to F&DCAP, the initiative seeks to create opportunities for aspiring models, designers, artisans, photographers, stylists, makeup artists, content creators and other creative youth from across Arunachal Pradesh, while promoting indigenous textiles and cultural heritage.
Organisers said Arunachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of weaving, handloom and indigenous craftsmanship across communities, but structured platforms for young people interested in modelling and fashion-related careers have been limited.
The new community-based model aims to address this gap, beginning with the Apatani community.
The upcoming Apatani Fashion Week will be held during the Dree Festival celebrations from July 1 to 6 at Hija village. It will feature showcases by local designers, weavers and artisans, along with exhibitions, cultural exchanges and networking sessions.
As part of the event, “Apatani’s Next Top Model” will be held on July 1 and 2, alongside runway shows and designer presentations. The remaining days will focus on exhibitions, artisan interactions and community fashion activities.
F&DCAP said the initiative is linked to a larger vision of “Arunachal’s Next Top Model”, a state-level platform intended to train, mentor and promote talent from different communities across Arunachal Pradesh.
Selected participants from community-based competitions are expected to advance to the state-level platform during Arunachal Fashion Week.
The organisers said the Apatani Fashion Week marks the first phase of a wider community fashion movement that will gradually expand to other tribes and communities in the state.
The competition includes multiple categories such as Miss Apatani’s Next Top Model, Mr Apatani’s Next Top Model, inclusive category and adaptive category, aimed at encouraging wider participation and representation.
F&DCAP stated that all registered participants will become part of its Creative & Models Network, which will provide opportunities for workshops, castings, collaborations, portfolio development, mentorship and fashion industry exposure, even beyond the competition.
Selected participants will receive grooming, runway training and mentorship from professionals in Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India and other regions.
Organisers said the initiative is not limited to fashion competitions, but is also focused on youth empowerment, cultural identity, economic opportunity and creative development. They added that fashion can contribute to areas such as textiles, tourism, branding, entrepreneurship and employment generation.
The council also outlined plans to promote indigenous textiles, handloom traditions, sustainable fashion practices and local creative entrepreneurship through community-led platforms.
Founder and Chairperson of Arunachal Fashion Week and Northeast India Fashion Week, Yana Ngoba Chakpu, said the initiative aims to build a strong fashion ecosystem within the state and provide structured opportunities for creative youth.
She said many young people have talent but lack guidance and exposure, and the platform is intended to help them develop confidence and explore careers in the creative industry.
She also noted that the initiative will extend opportunities to youths from rehabilitation centres and vulnerable backgrounds through its upcoming second phase of auditions.
Arunachal Fashion Week Chief Operating Officer Meena Noshi said the platform is designed as a long-term movement that ensures continued engagement and opportunities for participants, not only winners.
The audition panel included representatives from F&DCAP, fashion designers, mentors and coordinators associated with Apatani Fashion Week and other community fashion initiatives.
Organisers said registrations for models, designers, artisans and other creative participants are currently open.