NEW DELHI, October 18: Ladakh showcased its traditional Pashmina craftsmanship and contemporary textile designs at Lakmé Fashion Week, partnered by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), through a presentation titled “The Fifth Season: A Fashion Story from Ladakh” on Sunday.
Held at Hotel Taj Palace on the concluding day of the fashion event, the showcase highlighted the work of artisans, designers and pastoral communities of Changthang, whose traditional skills sustain Ladakh’s Pashmina heritage.
Four designers and artisanal brands from Ladakh participated in the presentation: Namza by Padma Yangchan, Zilzom by Stanzin Palmo, Changra Ladakh by Deskit Angmo and Charkha Ladakh by Rigzin Yangdol.
Namza presented 18 ensembles featuring brocade fabrics and Pashmina. Zilzom showcased 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 presented handspun and handwoven Pashmina shawls.
Shalini Passi appeared as the showstopper in a gown designed by Zilzom, while the Dashugs band provided a live musical performance.
A virtual address by Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena highlighted 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, craftspeople, women entrepreneurs and self-help groups while preserving the authenticity of indigenous traditions.
The initiative was conceptualised and facilitated by the Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, with support from FDCI.
The presentation also highlighted the role of Changpa pastoralists, who rear Changra goats, and the artisans who transform their fine fibre into Pashmina textiles. Organisers said the initiative aimed to improve market access for local designers and craft enterprises while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
The department has been supporting traditional crafts through common facility centres, skill-upgradation programmes and improved production facilities.
The fashion showcase will be followed by the Ladakh Pashmina Conclave on October 23 and 24 under the RAMP Scheme. More than 50 stalls and over 100 entrepreneurs and buyers are expected to participate, providing opportunities for product displays, buyer-seller interactions and business partnerships.
The two initiatives aim to connect Ladakh’s textile heritage with contemporary fashion and commercial markets while strengthening opportunities for the communities involved in its production.
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