Srinagar, Oct 18 (KNO): Ladakh showcased its rich Pashmina heritage and traditional craftsmanship at Lakme Fashion Week, partnered by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), 2026, through a presentation titled “The Fifth Season: A Fashion Story from Ladakh” in New Delhi on Sunday.
In a statement issued to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a spokesperson said the UT Ladakh showcase featured four designers and artisanal brands—Namza by Padma Yangchan, Zilzom by Stanzin Palmo, Changra Ladakh by Deskit Angmo and Charkha Ladakh by Rigzin Yangdol.
The presentation highlighted Ladakh’s indigenous textiles, handwoven Pashmina and contemporary designs, with artisans from Changthang bringing the region’s traditional craftsmanship to the runway. Shalini Passi was the showstopper in a gown designed by Zilzom, while the Dashugs band performed live.
Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Vinai Kumar Saxena, in a virtual address, stressed the need to connect traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, entrepreneurship and wider markets, while ensuring that the benefits reach Pashmina herders, artisans, women entrepreneurs and Self-Help Groups.
The initiative was facilitated by the department under the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) Scheme of the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Government of India, with support from FDCI.
The spokesperson said it has been supporting traditional crafts through Common Facility Centres, skill-upgradation programmes and improved production facilities to strengthen local enterprises and generate sustainable livelihood opportunities.
He said the Ladakh Pashmina Conclave will be held on October 23–24 under the RAMP Scheme, with more than 50 stalls and over 100 entrepreneurs and buyers expected to participate. The event aims to facilitate buyer-seller interactions, business partnerships and wider market access for local products.
The spokesperson said the initiatives seek to preserve Ladakh’s traditional craftsmanship while connecting its indigenous products with contemporary fashion and wider markets.—(KNO)