NAHARLAGUN : More than 100 aspiring models participated in the final auditions for Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026, a flagship initiative under Apatani Fashion Week 2026 aimed at promoting indigenous textiles, handicrafts and cultural enterprises from Arunachal Pradesh while creating livelihood opportunities for youth, artisans, weavers and entrepreneurs. The auditions were conducted by the Siilang Ditting Dree Festival Celebration Committee in collaboration with the Fashion and Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh (FDCAP), marking a key milestone in preparations for Apatani Fashion Week 2026. Around 104 participants took part in the physical and online audition process, with approximately 30 contestants to be shortlisted for the competition. Organised as part of the Dree Festival celebrations, the initiative seeks to go beyond a conventional fashion event by linking indigenous culture with entrepreneurship, skill development, market access and sustainable livelihoods. It aims to strengthen opportunities for artisans, weavers, self-help groups, designers and creative enterprises while showcasing the cultural heritage of the Apatani community. With the completion of the audition process, registrations for designers, weavers, artisans, self-help groups, exhibitors and participating brands have officially closed. Speaking on the occasion, Apatani Fashion Week Chief Executive Officer Kago Jorang said the platform was designed not only to discover modelling talent but also to strengthen indigenous industries and encourage entrepreneurship. “Arunachal Pradesh is rich in traditional knowledge, craftsmanship, weaving and cultural heritage. We believe our artisans, weavers, designers and entrepreneurs have the potential to create products that can compete in national and international markets. Through continuous learning, innovation and quality improvement, we hope to develop market-ready and export-quality products that can generate sustainable livelihoods for our communities,” he said. Arunachal Fashion Week Chief Executive Officer Angie Ngoba Namchoom said community fashion weeks are intended to strengthen the broader ecosystem surrounding indigenous fashion and craftsmanship. “Fashion does not begin on the runway. It begins with farmers, sericulture practitioners, weavers, artisans and traditional knowledge holders. The runway is only the final stage of a much larger journey. Our vision is to build an ecosystem where artisans, weavers, designers, entrepreneurs, self-help groups and youth can grow together while preserving the authenticity of our culture,” she said. Namchoom added that the initiative would continue beyond the annual event through workshops, mentorship programmes, product development initiatives and market-linkage opportunities aimed at improving skills, branding, storytelling and product quality. Northeast India Fashion Week Founder and Chairperson and Arunachal Fashion Week Chairperson Yana Ngoba Chakpu highlighted the growing global demand for authentic handmade products and indigenous craftsmanship. “Handmade textiles and handicrafts carry stories, identity, heritage and generations of knowledge. Arunachal Pradesh has immense potential to emerge as a recognised destination for indigenous fashion, textiles and craftsmanship,” she said. Apatani Fashion Week 2026 will feature fashion showcases on July 1 and 2, bringing together designers, weavers, artisans, self-help groups and emerging talents from across the region. The event will also feature Meghalaya designer Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah, who will present his collection and serve on the jury panel alongside Angie Ngoba Namchoom and designer Zenit Khunjuju. An Exhibition and Learning Space will be organised throughout the event, showcasing indigenous textiles, handicrafts, traditional knowledge systems, community enterprises and creative businesses. The exhibition will continue until July 6, providing visitors, students, buyers and stakeholders an opportunity to engage directly with artisans and gain deeper insights into Apatani culture and craftsmanship. Organisers said Apatani Fashion Week is envisioned as a long-term community development platform. Through continued mentorship, capacity-building initiatives and collaborative programmes, promising artisans, weavers, designers and creative enterprises will be nurtured for wider opportunities. Selected talents, collections, textiles, handicrafts and products emerging from the event will subsequently be showcased at Arunachal Fashion Week under a unified Apatani identity, creating pathways to national and international markets while highlighting the community’s creativity, craftsmanship and cultural heritage.
