Delhi Fashion Week’s International Participation in Russia
From October 19 to 22, 2026, DFC Delhi Fashion Week, an initiative of Delhi Fashion Club operating under VOY Media & Events, took part in the 31st Admiralty Needle International Fashion, Art & Design Festival in St. Petersburg, Russia. The Indian segment was directed by Harshit Dhingaun, Chairman and Founder of Delhi Fashion Club, International Fashion Director for the Delhi Fashion Week segment, and Show Director for the international presentation at the festival.
Designers and Collections
Harshit Dhingaun presented two Indian designers. Lairenlakpam Lily Chanu, founder of Shiroi Lily Closet in Imphal, Manipur, showcased a collection titled “THREADS OF MANIPUR – A LEGACY OF HERITAGE & ELEGANCE,” which celebrated Manipur’s traditional handloom heritage, cultural identity, and the iconic Shiroi Lily of Ukhrul district. The second designer, Kajal of Delhi, represented her brand Kamari and contributed a contemporary sustainable fashion collection, emphasizing responsible material choices and modern aesthetics.
Educational Masterclass
In addition to the runway shows, Dhingaun conducted a masterclass for students at St. Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design. The session, titled “India: The Land of Diversity — Ryndia, the Fabric of Peace,” introduced India’s diverse textile traditions and focused on Meghalaya’s indigenous Ryndia silk, an Eri silk variant linked to the state’s cultural heritage and potential for contemporary design.
Objectives and Vision
The combined activities aimed to highlight the diversity of India’s textile traditions—Manipur’s handloom heritage, Delhi’s sustainable design, and Meghalaya’s Ryndia silk—while fostering cultural exchange between India and Russia. Dhingaun expressed gratitude for the hospitality of the Russian hosts and indicated an interest in further collaborations that could enhance international visibility for Indian designers, promote cultural tourism, and create future commercial or institutional partnerships.
Organizational Background
DFC Delhi Fashion Week, organized by Delhi Fashion Club, seeks to create opportunities for designers, models, fashion professionals, and creative entrepreneurs through fashion showcases and related industry initiatives. Through the International Reinvent Northeast program, the platform places particular emphasis on the textile heritage and creative contributions of Northeast India, aiming to connect Indian fashion with global creative networks.
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