LEH, OCT 30: Ladakhi handicraft and fashion brands Changra Ladakh and Norling Looms and Arts have expressed gratitude to the UT Administration for facilitating their participation in Lakmé Fashion Week, New Delhi, saying the prestigious platform helped showcase Ladakh’s traditional pashmina heritage, indigenous craftsmanship and contemporary designs to a wider national and international audience.
The founders of both brands called on Chief Secretary, UT Ladakh, Ashish Kundra, at the UT Secretariat in Leh and shared their experiences and achievements following their participation in the fashion event. They acknowledged the support extended by the UT Administration and the Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, in providing local entrepreneurs and artisans with opportunities to access larger markets and establish industry connections.
During the interaction, the representatives highlighted the business opportunities generated through their participation, revealing that they established professional connections with around 30 exporters, designers and pashmina sourcing professionals. The brands also recorded combined sales of approximately ₹1.40 lakh during the event.
Beyond direct sales, their participation opened up prospects for wider business collaborations and international exposure. The representatives informed the Chief Secretary about their interactions with Fabrizio Ceccarelli, representative of the Embassy of Italy, and the Co-founder and CEO of Paris Fashion Air. These engagements, they said, have opened potential avenues for future collaborations and participation in international fashion events.
Another significant development was the interest shown by a renowned luxury retail store in Chennai in jointly showcasing their collections. The proposed association could provide the Ladakhi brands with an opportunity to expand their retail presence beyond the Union Territory and introduce their products to new consumer markets.
The entrepreneurs emphasised that participation in prominent fashion platforms provides local brands with valuable exposure, enabling traditional artisans and designers to connect with international buyers, industry professionals and established retail networks.
The interaction also highlighted the growing potential of Ladakh’s traditional pashmina sector to gain wider recognition through contemporary design, organised market access and institutional support.
Appreciating the initiatives of the UT Administration and the Department of Industries and Commerce, the founders said such opportunities play an important role in promoting local craftsmanship, encouraging entrepreneurship and creating sustainable market avenues for Ladakhi products.
The participation of Changra Ladakh and Norling Looms and Arts at Lakmé Fashion Week marks an important opportunity for Ladakhi craftsmanship to reach beyond regional boundaries, combining the region’s traditional textile heritage with contemporary fashion and emerging business possibilities.
