Sanjukta Dutta brings Assamese handloom to global spotlight at New York Fashion Week

Celebrated Indian designer Sanjukta Dutta from Assam, showcased her latest collection, ‘Kuwoli (The Mist)’, at the Global Fashion Collective Showcase during New York Fashion Week – Spring/Summer, presenting a striking blend of Assamese handloom heritage and contemporary global couture.

The event was attended by Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, IFS, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, whose presence underscored India’s continued support for promoting traditional textiles and cultural craftsmanship on international platforms.
“It is inspiring to see Indian designers like Sanjukta Dutta bringing the richness of our handloom heritage to international audiences,” he said. “Designers like her serve as powerful cultural ambassadors for India, preserving tradition while taking indigenous crafts to global platforms. Such initiatives not only celebrate India’s cultural identity but also create meaningful economic opportunities for our skilled artisans, while showcasing India’s soft power through fashion.”

At the conclusion of the showcase, Dutta walked the ramp draped in her signature Assamese mekhela sador. The words inscribed on her sador translated to “Proudly Assamese,” reflecting her deep cultural pride and commitment to promoting Assam’s textile heritage globally.

A designer from Assam, Dutta is widely recognised for revitalising the region’s ancient handloom traditions and elevating them to international prominence. After transitioning from a career in engineering to fashion, she dedicated her label to empowering traditional women weavers and preserving the intricate artistry of Assamese silk.

Her creations, which fuse indigenous textiles with contemporary silhouettes, have previously been featured at major international platforms, including Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Cannes.

Drawing inspiration from the mystical winter dawns of Northeast India, ‘Kuwoli (The Mist)’ captures the poetic moment between night and day. Moving away from festive vibrancy, the collection explores “soft strength” through a refined black-and-white palette, highlighting themes of ambiguity, shadow and quiet elegance.

The collection reimagines Assamese silk across diverse silhouettes, including the traditional Mekhela Sador, voluminous skirts and structured contemporary dresses. Crafted from indigenous Pat silk (mulberry silk), known for its softness and natural sheen, the monochrome approach accentuates intricate geometric motifs while complementing bold, architectural cuts.

Rooted in sustainable slow fashion, the collection has been entirely handwoven by rural women artisans of Assam, preserving generational craft traditions while fostering economic empowerment and environmental responsibility.

Looking ahead, Dutta envisions her brand as a global ambassador for Indian handloom, breaking geographic barriers and positioning Assamese silk firmly within international fashion conversations. Through her work, she continues to spotlight weavers not merely as artisans, but as equal partners in shaping the future of global fashion.