Titled “The Fifth Season: A Fashion Story from Ladakh,” the showcase at Hotel Taj Palace celebrated the journey of Ladakh’s world-renowned Pashmina from the high-altitude pastures of Changthang to contemporary fashion, highlighting the skills and traditions of the communities that sustain the craft.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, in a virtual address, emphasised the importance of connecting traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, entrepreneurship and wider markets. He stressed that the benefits of growing recognition should reach Pashmina herders, weavers, artisans, women entrepreneurs and self-help groups while preserving the authenticity of indigenous traditions.
Four designers and artisanal brands from Ladakh — Namza by Padma Yangchan, Zilzom by Stanzin Palmo, Changra Ladakh by Deskit Angmo and Charkha Ladakh by Rigzin Yangdol — presented their collections, blending traditional techniques with contemporary designs.
Namza showcased 18 ensembles featuring brocade fabrics and Pashmina, while Zilzom presented 18 ensembles incorporating self-designed silk prints inspired by Changthang’s landscapes and contemporary interpretations of snambu, a traditional Ladakhi woollen textile. Changra Ladakh and Charkha Ladakh displayed handspun and handwoven Pashmina shawls.
A key highlight was the participation of artisans from Changthang, drawing attention to the pastoral communities and skilled craftspeople behind Ladakh Pashmina. Shalini Passi appeared as the showstopper in a gown designed by Zilzom, while the Dashugs band added a live musical performance to the presentation.
The initiative was conceptualised and facilitated by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Union Territory of Ladakh, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with support from FDCI. It aims to promote indigenous products, support local designers and artisanal enterprises, and expand market access and sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The department has also been supporting the craft sector through common facility centres, skill-development programmes, improved production facilities and assistance for traditional handloom enterprises, with the aim of strengthening the value chain and increasing economic benefits for local communities.
The fashion showcase will be followed by the Ladakh Pashmina Conclave on October 23–24 under the RAMP Scheme. The event is expected to bring together producers, artisans, designers, entrepreneurs and buyers, with more than 50 stalls and over 100 entrepreneurs and buyers expected to participate.
While the fashion week presentation seeks to enhance the national visibility of Ladakh’s traditional crafts, the conclave will focus on business linkages, buyer-seller interactions and potential commercial partnerships.
The initiative aims to connect Ladakh’s textile heritage with contemporary fashion and wider markets while ensuring that the communities preserve its craftsmanship share in the economic opportunities generated by its growing recognition.
