Indian creators Nidhi Bhanushali, Kashish Ratnani and Simran Balar Jain debut at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo 2026, mark global milestone

For the first time in the history of Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo, Indian creators Nidhi Bhanushali, Kashish Ratnani and Simran Balar Jain made a landmark debut, bringing Indian artistry, craftsmanship and storytelling to Japan’s largest fashion platform.

Their presence marks a significant milestone for India’s growing footprint on the global fashion stage, signalling a shift from participation to recognition. During the showcase, the trio attended runway presentations by labels including JANE, ALLFORYOU, Ayaka Oshita, CHARINYEH, NONAME, SALIM, Tang Tsung Chien, WooleeX and Zero Waste Fashion Story Wear.

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Tokyo’s fashion moment: where tradition meets global innovation

The Autumn/Winter 2026 edition, held from March 16 to 21, features 33 brands across official and partnership showcases, reaffirming Tokyo’s position as a global fashion capital.

This season also marks the latter half of Tokyo Fashion Week’s 20th anniversary year, under the theme “Be The Seam Of The World”, an idea that positions the city as a cultural junction where global and local perspectives intersect, and where tradition meets innovation, artistry meets commerce.

Organised by the Japan Fashion Week Organization, the platform has, since its founding in 2005, evolved alongside shifting cultural and industry landscapes to become a key international showcase for Japanese fashion. The inclusion of Indian creators this year reflects a growing global acknowledgement of India’s evolving design language.

Reimagining Indian identity through fashion

Each of the three creators brought a distinct narrative to Tokyo, rooted in Indian tradition yet styled for a global audience.

Nidhi Bhanushali championed the women-led label Suta, reinterpreting the saree through a contemporary lens. Styled over a structured Paul Smith shirt and flared trousers, the look merged fluid drapery with sharp tailoring, finished with surreal, playful accessories.
“The saree is one of the most future-ready garments, it’s fluid, adaptable, and endlessly reinterpretable,” she said.

Kashish Ratnani made her debut in a couture ensemble by KALKI Fashion, featuring an intricately embroidered ivory skirt paired with a structured blouse and a voluminous cape.
“Wearing KALKI at Tokyo Fashion Week allowed India’s craftsmanship to speak on a global stage,” she noted.

Simran Balar Jain leaned into sustainability and sentiment, wearing an Indo-Western ensemble by Aggunj that had previously been part of a personal celebration. Her look underscored the idea of longevity and emotional value in fashion. “This outfit carries stories and memories, and sharing it in Tokyo felt like celebrating them across continents,” she shared.

A defining moment for India’s global fashion narrative

Together, the three creators exemplify a new, globally relevant Indian fashion identity, one that is deeply rooted in culture yet unafraid to evolve.

Their debut at Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo 2026 is more than a first, it is a statement, one that not only highlights India’s creative potential but also strengthens cultural dialogue between India and Japan in an increasingly interconnected fashion ecosystem.