The Arunachal Fashion Week 2026 – The Artisans Movement was launched at Interior Park, Naharlagun, with the grand event “AFW Night of Opulence,” initiating an eight-day celebration from March 14 to 21, 2026, focused on indigenous textiles and contemporary fashion. Organized by the Department of Textile & Handicrafts, this year marks the five-year milestone of the Artisans’ Movement, which aims to unite traditional weavers, designers, and young creative professionals to foster a structured ecosystem for local fashion enterprises.
The event was inaugurated by Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, who highlighted the importance of indigenous traditions and the government’s commitment to enhancing the silk industry, which employs over 34,000 people across 500 sericulture villages. Initiatives to boost this sector include a ₹25 crore investment for innovative sericulture projects and the establishment of the Arunachal Creative Economy Cell to support artists and connect them with markets.
Women empowerment is a key focus, with over 1.5 lakh women organized into Self Help Groups involved in weaving and handicrafts. The launch featured a runway showcasing collections that merge traditional textiles with modern designs from various local designers and weavers. The Commissioner of Textile & Handicrafts, Shri Nyali Ete, noted that the Fashion Week aims to enhance the market ecosystem for indigenous textile products and provide exposure for local artisans.
Meena Noshi, COO of Arunachal Fashion Week, shared the journey of building this platform, emphasizing the importance of indigenous craftsmanship. Yana Ngoba Chakpu, CEO of Northeast India Fashion Week, described the transformation of the Artisans’ Movement into a collaborative ecosystem for craftsmanship and contemporary design. The inaugural day of the event saw participation from over 23 designers and 50 models.
The festivities included a Design & Lifestyle Exhibition open to the public throughout the week, showcasing a range of creative works. The following days will feature various events, including runway shows and the AFW Fashion Extravaganza, culminating on March 21 with Cultural Heritage Day and the Arunachal Fashion Week Awards Night, celebrating excellence in fashion and reinforcing the promotion of indigenous textiles.
