New Delhi, 09th January 2025: Travancore Palace came alive with cultural resonance and creative brilliance as Vogue India, in collaboration with Royal Enfield, announced the winners of the inaugural Himalayan Knot Design Prize. Rooted in purpose, sustainability, and the celebration of artisanal craftsmanship, this initiative spotlighted emerging designers and fashion students who are redefining contemporary design through Himalayan heritage.

The Himalayan Knot Design Prize was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, drawing entries from across the country. Designers and students submitted swatches, ideas, and concepts reflecting a commitment to sustainability and the diverse textile traditions of the Himalayas. After a thorough jury process, five emerging designers and five students were selected to present their collections at the grand finale held at Delhi’s historic Travancore Palace. The jury, comprising esteemed experts in fashion, sustainability, and craft, included Rochelle Pinto – Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India, Bandana Tewari – Journalist and Sustainability Activist, Rahul Mishra – Fashion Designer and Sustainability Advocate, Monisha Ahmed – Textile Anthropologist and Co-founder of Ladakh Arts and Media Organisation (LAMO) & Manvi Sinha Independent Director, Eicher Motors Ltd.

The evening commenced with the Muse Experience — an immersive installation that showcased the collaborative vision of five designers and their muses. Each ensemble captured the audience’s imagination, turning the red carpet into a tableau of cultural storytelling. The evening transitioned into a panel discussion moderated by Rochelle Pinto, titled “From the Peripheral to the Personal: How Fashion Influences Our Understanding of Sustainability.” Panelists Bandana Tewari, Rahul Mishra, Monisha Ahmed, and stylist Ekta Rajani explored critical themes such as How traditional craftsmanship can transition from niche to mainstream; Gen Z’s growing affinity for handmade, sustainable fashion, the future of sustainable fashion The highlight being the announcement of the winners:

● Saurabh Maurya — Awarded the Fellowship for his innovative approach to design, deeply rooted in heritage and sustainability.
● Himani Sharma — Secured the Student Internship for her creative and thoughtful design exploration.

These winners exemplify the core vision of the initiative: to celebrate designs that honor Himalayan artistry while embracing sustainable, forward-thinking practices.

Bidisha Dey, Executive Director of Eicher Group Foundation, remarked: “The Himalayan Knot Design Prize represents a meaningful convergence of sustainability, craftsmanship, and contemporary fashion. This initiative reflects Royal Enfield Social Missions’ commitment to safeguarding artisanal craftsmanship and supporting local communities through impactful collaborations.”

To which Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India, added: “For me, the Himalayan Knot Design Prize was an opportunity to explore the Himalayas, the talent there, local crafts, and really allow us to create a story that has not been told enough.”

The festivities concluded with a soulful performance by Joi Barua, whose melodies echoed through the palace grounds, accompanied by curated cocktails and a menu inspired by regional flavors. The Himalayan Knot Design Prize has set the stage for a future where heritage and sustainability redefine the language of modern design.