KATHMANDU – The spotlight turned toward the creative minds behind the sketches as The National Designer Runway 2026 concluded, celebrating the ingenuity of 19 female fashion designers from across Nepal. Organized by Eventoz Nepal and led by entrepreneur Devil Singh Rajput, the event served as a high-profile stage for women to redefine contemporary Nepali fashion.
The Design Philosophy: Red Carpet Meets Heritage
This year’s showcase was characterized by an ambitious fusion of international glamour and local craftsmanship. The designers pushed creative boundaries by drawing heavy inspiration from Global Red Carpet trends, incorporating:
- Bold Silhouettes: The runway featured high-fashion elements like bold cuts, high slits, and elegant silhouettes.
- Intricate Detailing: Designers utilized sequin detailing and metallic tones to capture a “Hollywood-meets-Bollywood” aesthetic.
- Fusion Couture: In a nod to cultural roots, many collections seamlessly blended Dhaka and handmade fabrics with modern, dramatic trails and off-shoulder cuts.
In a highly anticipated crowning moment, Akriti Shrestha emerged as the grand winner for her exceptional design vision, securing a cash prize of Rs. 25,000. She was joined in the winner’s circle by Anisha Thapa, who was named First Runner-up, and Yunika Rai, who took the Second Runner-up title. The evening also celebrated Samjhana KC as the Most Popular contestant, while Bibika Paudel earned the title of Best Runway Model for her captivating presence and walk. Supported by an organizing team consisting of Yadav Bahadur Thapa, Parmananda Chaudhary, and Shailesh Nepali, the event successfully showcased that the future of Nepali fashion is firmly in the hands of its visionary women.
The aesthetic direction of the show leaned heavily into the “Global-Glocal” trend, featuring bold cuts, flowing silhouettes, and intricate sequin detailing reminiscent of prestigious international award ceremonies. Under the expert choreography and hosting of Rozin Shakya, the designers presented looks that balanced high-fashion drama with elegant wearability. A distinguished judging panel, including Vishal Gurung, Swikriti Pyakurel, Suchita Sachi, and Ashwini Jha, meticulously evaluated the entries, focusing on the originality of the cuts and the creative depth of the themes presented.
