DAWA ZANGMO | Paro
The inaugural Bhutan Fashion Week (BFW) 2025 transformed Paro’s bustling Main Street into a runway of colour, creativity, and culture, marking a historic milestone for Bhutan’s emerging fashion industry. The event, which later concluded with a grand finale at the Royal Textile Academy (RTA) in Thimphu, showcased Bhutan’s growing confidence in combining tradition with modern design while stepping onto the global fashion stage
Instead of the usual traffic, Paro’s main street came alive as 54 models showcased designs by nine Bhutanese designers. The air was filled with music, applause, and excitement as each collection revealed a unique blend of Bhutanese heritage and contemporary aesthetics. Some drew inspiration from centuries-old textile motifs, while others embraced bold colours and avant-garde silhouettes, signalling a shift toward creative innovation in Bhutan’s design culture.
Designer Dorothy Gurung reflected on the journey of Bhutan’s fashion evolution. “Looking back from 2006 to now, the transformation is extraordinary,” she said. “Bhutan Fashion Week has given designers the freedom to express creativity and to reinterpret our traditions through modern design.”
For organisers, the event was about more than just fashion; it was about creating structure and opportunity for a growing industry.
Kelly Dorji, Director of Bhutan Fashion Week, emphasised the importance of community support. “These designs are not just for display; they’re meant to be worn,” he said. “We hope Bhutanese people will proudly wear locally designed clothes and help build a real market for our fashion industry.”
International experts praised Bhutanese designers for their originality and potential to attract international attention. Local designers echoed this optimism, expressing hope that BFW would help their work gain recognition beyond national borders. Designer Thinley Wangmo shared, “I want Bhutanese fashion to evolve, mixing our culture with modern style, and for the world to see our creativity.”
After months of preparation, Bhutan Fashion Week reached its grand finale on October 31, featuring eleven designers whose collections symbolised the passion, skill, and innovation driving Bhutan’s creative sector. The finale, interwoven with live performances by both local and international artists, was broadcast on BBS and the official BFW Facebook page, extending the experience to audiences nationwide.
The Paro showcase was graced by Lyonpo Namgay Dorji, Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), reaffirming government support for Bhutan’s creative economy. The Thimphu finale was attended by His Royal Highness Prince Ugyen Jigme Wangchuck, who inaugurated the BFW Exhibition and Sales at the RTA. The exhibition will remain open for three months, allowing the public to explore and purchase the collections on display.
In total, 20 Bhutanese designers participated – nine in Paro and eleven in Thimphu – each interpreting Bhutanese identity through their own creative lens. Their collective presentation sent a clear message that Bhutan’s fashion industry is ready to step onto the global stage.
Alongside the shows, BFW 2025 featured workshops, panel discussions, and professional masterclasses to nurture local talent. International experts such as Rafique Sayed, Vipul Bhagat, Manish Chauhan, and Pia Sutaria conducted sessions on photography, styling, and performance, helping Bhutanese designers and models gain professional insights from the global fashion industry.
Outdoor photoshoots featuring Bhutanese models and Indian photographers across Thimphu and Paro further enhanced the event’s visibility, showcasing Bhutan’s scenic landscapes and distinctive fashion sensibilities. These collaborations created a new visual archive that celebrates the fusion of natural beauty, culture, and design.
Public response to Bhutan Fashion Week was overwhelmingly positive, with many describing it as a proud and defining moment for Bhutanese creativity.
Sonam Choden, a student from Royal Thimphu College who attended the event, said it was inspiring to see Bhutanese designers celebrated for their innovation. “It’s amazing to see how our designers are taking something as traditional as kira patterns and turning it into modern outfits that still feel Bhutanese,” she said. “It gives us a sense of pride and shows how creativity can preserve culture in a new way.”
Another attendee, Tashi Dorji, a businessman from Paro Town, said the event signalled economic opportunity as much as artistic progress. “Fashion can be more than just glamour; it can create jobs, promote local fabrics, and bring Bhutan into the international market,” he said. “Seeing our own people design, model, and manage this event gives hope that Bhutan’s creative industry can really grow.”
Industry observers also commended the event’s structure for encouraging dialogue on sustainability, innovation, and the future of Bhutan’s creative economy.
Jointly organised by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property (MoICE) and the Royal Textile Academy, and supported by the Government of India’s Economic Stimulus Programme (ESP) and the Embassy of India in Thimphu, BFW 2025 served as a key platform for creative collaboration and economic diversification.
The success of Bhutan Fashion Week 2025 sent a powerful message of confidence and creativity. Rooted in cultural heritage yet boldly forward-looking, the event embodied Bhutan’s vision of a sustainable and globally connected creative industry.
As the lights dimmed at the Royal Textile Academy, one thing was clear: Bhutan’s fashion story has only just begun, woven with threads of tradition, innovation, and ambition that promise to carry its artistry onto the world stage.
