New Delhi: Delhi Fashion Club, in association with VOY Media & Events, successfully hosted Delhi Fashion Week 2025 on 28 November 2025 at the YMCA Tourist Hotel, Connaught Place, supported by Meghalaya Tourism, Government of Meghalaya. The grand showcase highlighted India’s cultural heritage, handloom excellence, women-led empowerment, and sustainable fashion under the national theme “Naari Shakti: Weaving Viksit Bharat.” The event was organized in association with the NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation (NFDI) under the Ministry of Textiles and the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) under the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
The full-day celebration brought together leading designers, artisans, weavers, institutions, influencers, and cultural representatives from across India. The event was graced by eminent dignitaries including Chief Guest Miss Sabrella Marak, MCS, Additional Resident Commissioner, Meghalaya House, Special Guest Sarita Duhan, Executive Director, FDDI Rohtak, Prashant Kumar, Director of Publicity, FDDI, Shashank, Designer, NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation, representatives from Meghalaya Tourism, and Harshit Dhingaun, Chairman of Delhi Fashion Club and Founder & Show Director of Delhi Fashion Week. The event also welcomed Mrs. Kiren Sethi, Sub-Inspector, Delhi Police, widely known as “Lady Singham”, for her remarkable work in women’s safety and self-defence training.
The inaugural ceremony included lamp lighting and felicitations recognizing contributors and leaders shaping India’s fashion and textile ecosystem. The Delhi Fashion Summit – Season 1 was launched during the event as a knowledge platform focused on sustainable fashion, handloom entrepreneurship, women-led self-employment, and empowerment of rural and tribal weavers. Grassroots speakers from Meghalaya, including Iaishah Rymbai, shared inspiring stories on how handloom weaving has empowered women and created livelihoods.
The FDDI Naari Shakti Collection celebrated eco-conscious design and inclusivity, featuring mature women on the runway as symbols of confidence and empowerment. Elegant gowns by Kamari by Kajal Verma added glamour and sophistication to the segment. The Viksit Bharat Sutra Show highlighted Khadi and handloom heritage, opening with Celebrity Designer Rosy Ahluwalia and followed by a fusion-Khadi collection by FDDI, combining traditional weaves with modern silhouettes.
A major highlight was the International Reinvent Northeast Showcase, which began with the Bodoland Handloom segment presented by Anita Daimari & Laijou Brahma, featuring authentic Bodo weaves and traditional motifs honoring Bodoland’s textile legacy. The Meghalaya Tourism Grand Showcase, supported by Meghalaya Tourism, opened with a live performance by SKUBO Band, led by Peter from Garo Hills, followed by Garo Handloom creations by Lakme Marak and her team Ernieford and Khasi & Jaintia Eri Silk designs by Iaishah Rymbai (Eri Weave), blending traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics. The segment reached its pinnacle with Annu Marbaniang, International Fitness Icon, as the showstopper, leaving the audience enthralled with her poise and elegance.
The event also marked the launch of the International Delhi Fashion Awards (IDFA) to honor excellence in fashion and creative industries. Iaishah Rymbai and Lakme Marak were recognized as Best Handloom Designers from Meghalaya, while Miss Sabrella Marak received a Special Contribution Award for her efforts in promoting Meghalaya’s creative talent.
The Pre-Finale by Celebrity Designer Ashfaque Ahmad featured luxurious couture gowns, followed by the Grand Finale by NIFT Foundation for Design Innovation – Bhasha Bharat, showcasing the exquisite Bhagalpur Silk Sarees. Mrs. Universe Oceania 2025, Archana Niranjan, dazzled as the official grand finale showstopper, earning a standing ovation for the seamless blend of cultural depth and high fashion.
Harshit Dhingaun highlighted the collective efforts behind promoting Indian handlooms, empowering artisans, supporting sustainable fashion, and strengthening India’s creative economy under the vision of Viksit Bharat. He reaffirmed Delhi Fashion Week’s alignment with Vocal for Local, Atmanirbhar Bharat, Skill India, and Digital India missions.
The event marked 10 years of planning and 5 years of waiting to secure the trademark registration of Delhi Fashion Week, culminating in the realization of a long-held vision.
Delhi Fashion Week – Season 2 has been announced for March 2026, with registrations opening on 18 December 2025 for designers, models, artisans, brands, institutions, and creative professionals. The next season promises larger showcases, deeper regional collaborations, and stronger support for handloom-driven and sustainable fashion ecosystems across India.
To follow updates and learn more about Delhi Fashion Week, people may visit instagram.com/delhifashionclub.