New Delhi, Oct 15 : Ladakh’s famed Pashmina, traditional shawls, handwoven textiles, embroidery and other indigenous handicrafts are in the spotlight at Lakmé Fashion Week, with a dedicated stall set up at The Taj, New Delhi, where the event is being held from October 13 to 18.
The showcase brings the region’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship to a national platform — and, with it, the story of the community that sustains it. At the heart of Ladakh Pashmina lies the traditional knowledge of the Changthang community, whose pastoral way of life is tied to the high-altitude Changra goats that yield the exceptionally fine Pashmina fibre. Braving the harsh climate of the Changthang plateau, herders have kept the tradition alive across generations.
The stall features Pashmina shawls, traditional textiles, intricate embroidery and other locally crafted products, reflecting the skills of Ladakh’s artisans, weavers, spinners and women entrepreneurs. It traces the journey of Pashmina from the high-altitude pastures of Changthang to finished products that blend centuries-old traditions with contemporary design.
The biggest moment comes on Sunday, October 18, when designers from Ladakh will present their collections on the runway, featuring Pashmina creations, traditional embroidery and contemporary interpretations of the region’s indigenous textiles.
For the UT Administration, the participation is part of a larger push to strengthen Ladakh’s handicrafts and handloom sector — supporting artisans and self-help groups, upgrading traditional skills, and giving locally made products greater market visibility.
Beyond the products, the initiative is also about the people behind them: Changthang herders, local artisans, craftspeople and women-led SHGs whose work sustains these living traditions. By connecting local craftsmanship with the wider fashion industry, the effort seeks to expand market opportunities, promote local enterprises and create sustainable livelihoods.
From the pastures of Changthang to a fashion runway in the Capital, Ladakh Pashmina carries with it the story of a unique landscape and the people who transform its natural resources into timeless craft — reaching new audiences while opening fresh avenues for growth.(KNS)
