The Blenders Pride Tour culminated in Kolkata with a bold new interpretation of craft, shaping fashion’s next move. Set against the backdrop of iconic Howrah Bridge and transforming the city’s historic Hooghly River into a spectacular runway, the finale edition presented an experimental collection by designer Anamika Khanna AK | OK, with the charismatic Ishaan Khatter as the showstopper. It was held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).
The show unfolded on a Barge, anchored in the midst of the Hooghly river, transforming it into a floating theatre of fashion. It opened with divers emerging onto the barge and scaffolding brought alive through light, smoke, and sound. Models appeared from within the structure to a high-energy score, as lasers shifted with each step. The narrative peaked with powerful chainmail looks presented as a unified statement, followed by sculptural silhouettes in motion. The finale delivered a crescendo with Ishaan’s arrival in a speedboat, culminating in a collective closing moment.
Adding a touch of gravitas to the evening was The Bengal Paddle vessel, with its museum-like interiors and historic detailing, that hosted the who’s who of the city before they were brought onboard the barge. The Riverine Museum within its former boiler room, that houses rare marine artefacts and curated installations tracing the Hooghly’s legacy, created an immersive cultural backdrop.
Debasree Dasgupta, CMO, Pernod Ricard India said, “Blenders Pride Fashion Tour has always been at the forefront of shaping fashion and cultural conversations. As the final chapter of this edition, Kolkata delivered the very essence of what makes fashion truly transformative. ‘Future Is Crafted‘ was not just a showcase—it was a powerful statement on how heritage and innovation converge to create something extraordinary.”
Designer Anamika Khanna, sharing her thoughts on the show, said, “Together with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, I was delighted to showcase how Indian craftsmanship can be deconstructed and reimagined for the modern world. Witnessing the audience embrace this bold reinterpretation of heritage was truly exhilarating.”
Showstopper Ishaan Khatter said, “Being part of Blenders Pride Fashion Tour felt completely in sync with my own instinct to experiment and move beyond the expected. Watching craftsmanship break out of its traditional mould and take on a sharper, more expressive form made the experience incredibly exciting. Set against such an iconic backdrop, it felt like being part of a moment where fashion wasn’t just shown, but actively shaped.”
Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI expressed, ” FDCI was delighted to collaborate with Blenders Pride Fashion Tour, uniting two powerhouses of fashion to shape its future. The Kolkata edition celebrated creativity, culture, and set the pace for what’s next in Indian fashion.”