Northeast steps onto the global fashion stage
REGIONAL: The Northeast India International Runway Week (NEIIRW) 2026, the region’s first international fashion week opened to a high-impact start at Vivanta, Guwahati, featuring over 30 designers and more than 80 models, including leading supermodels, emerging faces and celebrity participants, marking a significant moment for India’s fashion landscape.
Envisioned as a gateway to position Northeast India on the national and global fashion map, the three-day event brings together a powerful mix of established designers, fresh talent, celebrity guests and industry professionals on a single platform.
Curated and directed by noted fashion choreographer and designer Dipankar Kashyap, a pioneering force in Northeast India’s fashion ecosystem with over three decades of experience, NEIIRW 2026 is built as a long-term institutional platform connecting regional creativity with larger markets.
Day 1 commenced with a vibrant opening showcase by Zubeen’s Collection, presented by Spriha Production in collaboration with NEIIRW, under the show direction of Dipankar Kashyap and Tiktik. The collection set a strong narrative for the runway, blending cultural identity with contemporary design sensibilities and signalling the creative depth of the region.
The opening day featured an eclectic lineup of designers including Papli Gogoi, Sangeeta Chowdhury, Jeuti Das Banikya in collaboration with Jeuti Jewels, Jasmin Pegu, and Alok Agarwal, each presenting distinctive collections that highlighted both craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. The evening culminated in a finale by Abigail H Zhome, delivering a visually compelling close to the first day.
A key highlight of NEIIRW 2026 is its curated model pool, which includes a mix of established supermodels and emerging talent identified through auditions, ensuring both industry credibility and new talent discovery. This structured approach not only maximises exposure for participants but also strengthens the platform’s positioning as a scalable fashion ecosystem for the region.
The event has also attracted national and international attention with the presence of globally recognised designer Asif Merchant, known for his work across fashion capitals such as London, Paris, and Dubai, along with celebrity guests including Mr. World 2016 Rohit Khandelwal, adding significant visibility and appeal to the platform.
Backed by Divine Events, NEIIRW 2026 is led by Shasanka Das, Founder & Vision Architect, Northeast India International Runway Week, who has conceptualised the platform as a movement to build a global fashion identity for the region.
Speaking on the occasion, Shasanka Das said, “NEIIRW 2026 is a movement to redefine how the Northeast is seen in the fashion world. We are creating a structured platform where designers, models, and creative professionals from the region can access national and international opportunities. The response on Day 1 reflects both the scale of talent here and the readiness of the Northeast to take its place on the global fashion map.”
With two more days of showcases remaining, featuring an extensive lineup of designers and curated presentations, NEIIRW 2026 is expected to further consolidate its position as the flagship fashion platform of Northeast India.
Image: Representational purpose only.