Blenders Pride Fashion Tour Finale 2025 in Kolkata: 7 Bold Ways Craft Is Reimagining the Future of Fashion

Blenders Pride Fashion Tour finale in Kolkata reimagines craft as fashion’s future, blending heritage, innovation and bold couture statements

The Blenders Pride Fashion Tour concluded its latest edition in Kolkata with a spectacular finale that boldly redefined how Indian craft can evolve in contemporary fashion. Set against the iconic Howrah Bridge, the grand showcase transformed the Hooghly River into an immersive runway, signalling a decisive shift toward fashion’s next chapter.

Held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the finale featured an experimental collection by designer Anamika Khanna under her AK | OK label, with actor Ishaan Khatter commanding attention as the showstopper. Staying true to the tour’s theme, Future Is Crafted, the presentation challenged the idea of craftsmanship as something fixed in time. Instead, it positioned craft as fluid, adaptive and open to radical reinterpretation.

Anamika Khanna deconstructed traditional techniques such as zardozi, chikankari and mirror work, reconstructing them through futuristic silhouettes, metallic accents and cosmic-inspired graphics. The result was a collection that blurred the line between heritage and innovation, pushing Indian fashion into a more global, experimental space.

The show unfolded on a barge anchored mid-river, turning it into a floating fashion theatre. Dramatic visuals set the tone as divers emerged onto the structure, with light, smoke and sound animating the scaffolding. Models appeared in sync with a pulsating score as responsive lasers shifted with every movement. The narrative built toward striking chainmail ensembles and sculptural forms, before reaching its peak with Ishaan Khatter’s arrival by speedboat, closing the show against the illuminated Howrah Bridge.

Guests were first welcomed aboard The Bengal Paddle, a heritage vessel with museum-like interiors and a riverine exhibition tracing the Hooghly’s cultural legacy, adding depth and context to the evening.

Speaking on the finale, Pernod Ricard India CMO Debasree Dasgupta described the Kolkata chapter as a powerful expression of how tradition and innovation can converge. Anamika Khanna echoed the sentiment, calling the audience’s response to her reimagined craft “exhilarating.” Ishaan Khatter added that being part of a moment where fashion actively shaped the future felt instinctively aligned with his own creative ethos.

The Blenders Pride Fashion Tour grand finale in Kolkata delivered a spectacular celebration of style, creativity, and heritage, positioning Indian craft as the driving force behind fashion’s future. Set against the cultural richness of the City of Joy, the finale brought together designers, artists, and fashion enthusiasts to witness how tradition can seamlessly evolve into contemporary couture.

The evening stood out not just as a fashion showcase, but as a statement of intent—that the future of fashion lies in preserving craftsmanship while reinterpreting it through modern silhouettes, innovation, and global sensibilities.

At the heart of the Kolkata finale was a powerful narrative: craft is not the past of fashion—it is its future. Designers participating in the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour highlighted time-honoured techniques such as hand weaving, intricate embroidery, artisanal dyeing, and indigenous textiles, presenting them in bold, contemporary forms.

From structured jackets crafted with traditional fabrics to fluid ensembles inspired by regional artistry, each creation told a story of heritage meeting modernity. The collections demonstrated that craftsmanship, when paired with innovation, can rival global luxury trends while retaining a uniquely Indian identity.

Kolkata’s deep-rooted artistic and cultural legacy made it an ideal host for the grand finale. Known for its literature, art, handloom traditions, and creative spirit, the city provided the perfect backdrop for an event that celebrated authentic expression and artistic excellence.

The venue transformed into a visual masterpiece, blending classic aesthetics with contemporary design elements. The atmosphere reflected Kolkata’s timeless charm while embracing the progressive vision of Indian fashion.

The finale featured designers who challenged conventional fashion boundaries by placing craftsmanship at the core of luxury fashion. Their collections moved beyond surface embellishments, focusing instead on storytelling, sustainability, and purpose-driven design.

Many designers emphasized the importance of supporting artisan communities, highlighting how fashion can serve as a bridge between rural craftsmanship and urban luxury markets. The collections underscored a growing shift in consumer preferences—towards authenticity, ethical production, and meaningful design.

Sustainability emerged as a recurring theme throughout the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour finale. By spotlighting handcrafted techniques and locally sourced materials, the event reinforced the idea that slow fashion and sustainability are inseparable from craft.

Designers showcased garments that celebrated longevity over fast trends, encouraging conscious consumption. This approach resonated strongly with younger audiences who are increasingly seeking fashion that aligns with environmental and social values.

The finale was not limited to runway presentations alone. Immersive experiences, artistic installations, and curated performances added depth to the event, making it a multi-sensory celebration of creativity. These elements reinforced the central theme—fashion as an evolving art form rooted in tradition.

Celebrities, fashion influencers, and industry insiders in attendance praised the event for its thoughtful curation and bold storytelling. Social media buzz following the finale reflected widespread appreciation for its originality and cultural depth.

Over the years, the Blenders Pride Fashion Tour has established itself as a platform that goes beyond glamour, consistently championing innovation, craftsmanship, and creative excellence. The Kolkata finale reaffirmed this legacy by setting a new benchmark for how fashion events can blend luxury with cultural relevance.

By positioning craft as the foundation of fashion’s future, Blenders Pride continues to influence the direction of Indian fashion, encouraging designers to look inward for inspiration while thinking globally.

Blenders Pride Fashion Tour Finale 2025 in Kolkata: 7 Bold Ways Craft Is Reimagining the Future of Fashion