Over 1,500 kilometres away from Jantar Mantar in New Delhi – where thousands of young students have been protesting for over a week, demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan – the Taj Falaknuma Palace in Hyderabad hosted the opening of one of India’s biggest fashion events, India Couture Week.
Fashion designer Anamika Khanna opened the week with the unveiling of her new collection, Moonlit Palace, presented in a grand yet intimate setting at one of India’s most luxurious properties. Models walked the runway in contemporary silhouettes brought to life by India’s rich craftsmanship, intriguing drapes, and the opulence of statement jewellery.
However, the fashion week began amid a debate over whether it was appropriate to proceed with the event as protests in Delhi intensified. The demonstrations, during which several students were seriously injured, have since spread to other parts of the country.
Influencer Ishita Mangal was among those who criticised the decision. In an Instagram post, she called the event “an astonishing display of privilege, detachment, and complete moral bankruptcy,” arguing that the industry should have postponed Couture Week instead of carrying on “as if nothing was happening.”
The post drew mixed reactions, with some agreeing that the event was ill-timed while others argued that the fashion industry and its workers should not be expected to halt operations. Several users pointed to the months of planning, financial investment and employment that India Couture Week generates.
In an exclusive interaction with French Press Global, designer Tarun Tahiliani asked “Why is fashion always dragged into this?” Were the movie theatres shut down because people do not need idle entertainment?”
“Shutting this down would be an expensive way of achieving absolutely nothing,” he added.
As the conversation gathered pace online, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), which organises India Couture Week, issued a statement: “The India Couture Week hopes and prays that the current situation unfolding in Delhi’s Jantar Mantar moves towards a peaceful resolution through mediation and reconciliation.”
At the time of writing, comments had been restricted on FDCIs recent Instagram posts.
Some participating designers, including Rimzim Dadu and Masaba Gupta, also shared statements on social media. Many saw it as jumping on the bandwagon, much like the wave of solidarity statements issued by Bollywood actors, which were viewed less as genuine concern and more as a way to be “marked safe” from later being called out for staying silent or appearing indifferent.
Meanwhile, others in the fashion industry, such as Huemn founder Pranav Kirti – who is not part of the India Couture Week 2026 lineup – chose to postpone planned launches in light of the protests.
As for India Couture Week 2026, the show will go on. The remaining shows will be held in New Delhi, featuring designers including Falguni Shane Peacock, Rohit Bal, Rahul Mishra, Tarun Tahiliani, Arpita Mehta, JJ Valaya and Aisha Rao.
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