Naharlagun, June 08: 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 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.
They believe our artisans, weavers, designers and entrepreneurs have the potential to create products that can compete in national and international markets. Through continuous learning, innovation and quality improvement, they hope to develop market-ready and export-quality products that can generate sustainable livelihoods for our communities.
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.
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.
Fashion does not begin on the runway. It begins with farmers, sericulture practitioners, weavers, artisans and traditional knowledge holders.
The runway is only the final stage of a much larger journey. Their 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.
