Naharlagun, March 16, 2026: The second day of Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 – The Artisans’ Movement witnessed a vibrant celebration of indigenous textiles and contemporary design as the “AFW Fashion Extravaganza” unfolded at Interior Park, Naharlagun under the theme Tribal Fusion.
The evening was graced by Smti Dasanglu Pul, Hon’ble Minister for Women & Child Development, Science & Technology and Cultural Affairs, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, as the Chief Guest, while Smti Nyabi Jini Dirchi, Hon’ble MLA, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
The dignitaries were received by Shri Dorjee Phuntso, Director, Department of Textile & Handicrafts, along with senior officials and organisers. They were escorted through the exhibition and installation spaces showcasing handloom collections, designer displays and curated story panels highlighting the journey of the Artisans’ Movement.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Smti Dasanglu Pul said, that seeing the inspiring participation of women in Arunachal Fashion Week is truly motivating. Designers from different parts of the state have presented unique creations that beautifully reflect the richness of our traditions and cultural identity.
Platforms like this are extremely important as they bring our artisans and designers into the spotlight while encouraging the younger generation to take pride in our heritage. He extend my best wishes to the organisers for creating such a meaningful platform and commend the Department of Textile and Handicrafts for its continued commitment to promoting Arunachal’s cultural heritage through initiatives like this.
Guest of Honour Smti Nyabi Jini Dirchi highlighted the growing recognition of indigenous textiles from the state. She said, “Arunachal Fashion Week fills me with immense pride because it beautifully brings together our artisans, weavers, traditions and culture on a modern platform. At the same time, it provides an important opportunity for the younger generation of our state to showcase their creativity and talent.”
She added, “As our Hon’ble Chief Minister often emphasises, the progress of our youth is directly linked to the progress of the state. Weaving has always been an integral part of our rural life, and initiatives like this give new energy to our traditional crafts by presenting them in a contemporary and aspirational space like a fashion week.”
In his welcome remarks, Shri Dorjee Phuntso, Director, Department of Textile & Handicrafts, appreciated Yana Ngoba Chakpu, the brainchild behind Arunachal Fashion Week, and reflected on the five-year journey of the Artisans’ Movement, which has grown into a platform connecting designers, weavers and creative professionals across the state.
He noted that the Department remains committed to strengthening the handloom and handicrafts sector through skill development and market linkages, while initiatives like Arunachal Fashion Week help bring indigenous textiles to wider audiences.
The runway segment of the evening featured designers from across Arunachal Pradesh presenting collections inspired by the theme Tribal Fusion, blending traditional handloom textiles with contemporary silhouettes.
The show opened with designer Metam Veo from East Kameng, followed by Osum Jerang Karlo from Upper Siang. Further collections were presented by Mina Ratan from Lohit, Nampi Joram from Keyi Panyor, Agasi Tayu from Dibang Valley, Jumter Angu from West Siang, and Yajir Mara from Upper Subansiri, each bringing unique interpretations of indigenous textiles to the runway.
A special weaver showcase by Yarok Pame from East Siang highlighted the craftsmanship and artistic depth of Arunachal’s weaving traditions. The evening also featured lively musical performances by Bullo Tajung and Sangey Tsering, adding a vibrant cultural dimension to the fashion presentations.
Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, Yana Ngoba Chakpu, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Northeast India Fashion Week – The Artisans’ Movement, said, “Over the years, the Artisans’ Movement has grown into a collaborative platform connecting designers, weavers, entrepreneurs and creative professionals. Arunachal Fashion Week reflects the confidence of this emerging ecosystem, where indigenous craftsmanship meets contemporary design and young talent finds new opportunities in the creative economy.”
Ms. Meena Noshi, Chief Operating Officer, Arunachal Fashion Week, noted that the event has been designed to create meaningful participation for young designers, models and creative professionals from across the region. She stated that the increasing involvement of youth in design, choreography, production and styling reflects the growing confidence of the emerging fashion ecosystem in Arunachal Pradesh.
A special segment during the programme introduced the professional team from Northeast India Fashion Week, Guwahati, including the show director, choreographer, makeup artists, production and backstage teams whose efforts supported the successful execution of the event.
Arunachal Fashion Week 2026, celebrating five years of the Artisans’ Movement, continues throughout the week with runway showcases, cultural performances and a multi-floor design and lifestyle exhibition featuring handloom collections, designer wear, jewellery, fashion accessories, home décor installations, furniture pieces and artisan craft displays.
The event will culminate on March 21 with Cultural Heritage Day and the Arunachal Fashion Week Awards Night, celebrating excellence in fashion design, modelling and weaving while showcasing Arunachal Pradesh’s growing presence in India’s creative and sustainable fashion landscape.
