A Landmark Finale on the Hooghly River
Blenders Pride Fashion Tour concluded its latest edition in Kolkata with a bold and future-facing showcase. Set against the iconic Howrah Bridge, the finale transformed the Hooghly River into an immersive fashion stage. The event marked a decisive shift in how Indian craft is perceived, presented, and experienced.
Anamika Khanna Pushes Craft Beyond Convention
Designer Anamika Khanna, through her AK | OK line, delivered an experimental collection that challenged traditional craft narratives. Instead of preserving craft as static heritage, she treated it as a living design language. The collection deconstructed zardozi, chikankari, and mirror work, then rebuilt them using futuristic tailoring, metallic accents, and cosmic-inspired graphics.
A Floating Runway Experience
The show unfolded on a barge anchored mid-river, turning it into a dramatic floating runway. Divers opened the performance, followed by models emerging through illuminated scaffolding. Lasers responded to movement, while sound and smoke heightened the visual intensity.
The narrative peaked with chainmail ensembles styled as a collective statement. Sculptural silhouettes followed, adding momentum to the show. The finale reached its crescendo when Ishaan Khatter arrived by speedboat, closing the show against the glowing Howrah Bridge skyline.
Culture Meets Contemporary Fashion
Ahead of the show, guests gathered aboard The Bengal Paddle vessel. Its historic interiors and Riverine Museum offered a cultural prelude to the evening. Rare marine artefacts and curated installations traced the Hooghly’s legacy, reinforcing the dialogue between heritage and modern expression.
Industry Voices on the Showcase
Debasree Dasgupta, CMO, Pernod Ricard India, stated that the Kolkata edition captured the true spirit of fashion transformation. She highlighted how the platform continues to blend heritage with innovation under the theme “Future Is Crafted.”
Designer Anamika Khanna shared that the collaboration allowed her to reimagine Indian craftsmanship for a contemporary audience. She noted that audience response confirmed the relevance of evolving craft narratives.
Showstopper Ishaan Khatter described the experience as instinctive and experimental. He said the showcase reflected fashion that actively shapes culture rather than simply presenting it.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, emphasised that the collaboration set a strong direction for Indian fashion. He noted that the Kolkata finale celebrated creativity while defining what comes next for the industry.
