Guwahati: More than 100 aspiring models participated in the final audition process for Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026, a flagship initiative under Apatani Fashion Week 2026 that seeks to position indigenous textiles, handicrafts, and cultural enterprises from Arunachal Pradesh on national and international platforms while creating livelihood opportunities for youth, artisans, weavers, and entrepreneurs.
The final audition was successfully conducted by the Siilang Ditting Dree Festival Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Fashion and Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh (FDCAP), marking a significant milestone in the preparations for Apatani Fashion Week 2026.
The physical and online audition process attracted approximately 104 aspiring models, reflecting growing interest among young people in the creative economy, fashion, and cultural entrepreneurship. Around 30 contestants will now be shortlisted to participate in Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026.
Being organized as part of the Dree Festival celebrations, the initiative aims to go beyond a conventional fashion event by creating a platform that connects indigenous culture with entrepreneurship, market access, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods.
The event seeks to strengthen opportunities for artisans, weavers, self-help groups, designers, and creative enterprises while showcasing the cultural richness of the Apatani community.
With the completion of the audition process, registrations for designers, weavers, artisans, self-help groups, exhibitors, and participating brands have officially closed.
Speaking on the occasion, Kago Jorang, CEO of Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model, stated that the initiative is about much more than fashion.
“Through this platform, we want to create opportunities for our youth while strengthening and promoting our indigenous industries. Arunachal Pradesh is rich in traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, weaving, and cultural heritage,” Jorang said.
“Apatani Fashion Week and Apatani’s Next Top Model are platforms to encourage talent, promote entrepreneurship, and inspire young people to transform creativity into opportunity,” he said.
Angie Ngoba Namchoom, CEO of Arunachal Fashion Week, said that Community Fashion Weeks are designed to strengthen the entire ecosystem surrounding indigenous fashion and craftsmanship.
“Our vision is to build an ecosystem where artisans, weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups, and youth can grow together while preserving the authenticity of our culture.”
She further stated that the objective extends beyond organizing an annual event.
Yana Ngoba Chakpu, Founder and Chairperson of Northeast India Fashion Week and Chairperson of Arunachal Fashion Week, emphasized the growing global demand for authentic handmade products and indigenous craftsmanship.
Apatani Fashion Week 2026 will feature fashion showcases on July 1 and 2 2026, bringing together designers, weavers, artisans, self-help groups, and emerging talents from across the region.
The event will also feature renowned designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah from Meghalaya, who will showcase his collection and serve as a member of the jury panel. Joining him on the jury and showcase platform will be Angie Ngoba Namchoom and designer Zenit Khunjuju, bringing together diverse experience and expertise from across the Northeast fashion industry.
In addition to the fashion showcases, an Exhibition and Learning Space will be organized throughout the event period. The exhibition will continue until 6 July 2026.