Photo Courtesy: nenow
Itanagar: Over 100 aspiring models recently completed the final auditions for Apatani’s Next Top Model 2026, a headline initiative of the upcoming Apatani Fashion Week. Conducted by the Siilang Ditting Dree Festival Celebration Committee and the Fashion and Design Council of Arunachal Pradesh, the auditions involved roughly 104 participants. Organizers plan to shortlist approximately 30 contestants to move forward in the competition.
This initiative focuses on elevating indigenous textiles and cultural enterprises onto national and international stages. By linking fashion with skill development and market access, the event aims to create sustainable livelihoods for local weavers, artisans, and self-help groups. Kago Jorang, the CEO of Apatani Fashion Week, highlighted the broader mission behind the project. "Through this platform, we want to create opportunities for our youth while strengthening and promoting our indigenous industries," Jorang said.
The main fashion showcases are scheduled for July 1 and 2, 2026, featuring designers such as Rupert Wanlambok Lynrah, Angie Ngoba Namchoom, and Zenit Khunjuju. Beyond the runway shows, the event includes an exhibition space that will remain open to the public until July 6, 2026. With the conclusion of the auditions, official registrations for all participating brands, designers, and artisans have now closed.
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