Utkal Fashion Icon – The Weave Collection by SWAAH came back for Season 2 on December 7, 2025; this time transforming Sri Sri University’s Cuttack campus into a lively showcase of Odisha’s weaving tradition. With the clear vision of adding contemporary flair to traditional Odia handlooms, the event aimed to introduce these crafts to the world.

For NIF Global Bhubaneshwar, which continually promotes creative education in fashion, beauty, and design, this event stood out as an inspiring example of how young talent and traditional craftsmanship can shape the future of India’s fashion industry.

Celebrating Odisha’s Textiles With a Modern Voice

The theme of Season 2 combined tradition with modern styles. Organisers wanted to highlight Odisha’s ancient weaving methods, yet present them in a current fashion context. Each aspect of the gathering expressed this blend – not only in fabric selection but also in presentation and cultural acts centred on artisan work.

The aim was clear:

● To showcase Odisha’s crafts and traditions alongside its weaving methods.

● Reintroduce traditional Odia textiles in modern silhouettes.

● The organisers also aimed to establish worldwide awareness of the region’s textile artisans through various outreach methods.

Designers, Performances, and a Grand Showing of Talent

This year’s event drew an impressive crowd. While sixteen prominent fashion creators showcased their work, every designer offered a distinct take on Odia handloom traditions. Over 250 individuals joined multiple contests, turning the gathering into a key opportunity for new talent in design, modelling, and academic circles.

The Grand Fashion Show stood out the most that night. Not only did it feature lively Sambalpuri fabrics, but also graceful Kotpad and Dongria designs. As a result, the catwalk turned into a vivid tale of Odisha’s roots. Despite traditional motifs, contemporary tailoring shaped each look. Through layered silhouettes and innovative draping techniques, traditional culture merged with modern trends.

Cultural performances added another layer of meaning to the story. A moving Sufi performance and an elegant Odissi dance both shone, highlighting the region’s creative heritage. These moments connected the runway show to tradition seamlessly.

Live Makeup Artistry by NIF Global School of Beauty

A particular highlight for NIF Global was when learners from the NIF Global School of Beauty performed live makeup and hairstyling demonstrations. Performing on stage allowed guests to see exactly how skills are developed in our Bhubaneswar programmes. While demonstrating each step, the students showcased the methods taught in NIF’s makeup and hair styling courses in Bhubaneswar.

Helping backstage at a major fashion show lets students practice runway makeup firsthand – a key ability for growing in beauty and style careers – while gaining real-world insight through direct involvement.

Distinguished Guests Who Graced the Event

The event began with a welcome from Sri Subash Singh, Mayor of Cuttack CMC. Notable attendees highlighted the project’s significance while pointing to strong prospects ahead.

Dignitaries included:

● Banki MLA Sri Devi Ranjan Tripathy

● CWC Member Ms Pratibha Tripathy

● International Designer Jeet Jagjit

● Corporator Sri Pradeep Raut

● Eminent artist Sri Ravi Rath

● Writer Dr Jyosnamayii Pani

● Dr. Ajay Mahapatra

● Youth social worker Biswajit Suryabanshi

● Social worker Shrigun Dasmahapatra

● Advocate Sujit Kumar Sway

● Youth leader Sandeep Biswal

● Odisha rockstar singer Anshuman Nayak

● Actress Pihu Mahapatra

Their visible enjoyment and active participation showed how such gatherings support heritage skills through community connection.

Leadership and Support

The event was directed by Swati Mahapatra, head of SWAAH, who aims to uplift Odisha’s handloom artisans; a goal that is now receiving more attention. Attendees praised the effort and pledged continued support from the authorities to expand it across India.

Young learners, particularly those eyeing the best colleges for fashion design in Odisha, gain confidence from this acknowledgement, highlighting expanding paths in local design and fabric sectors.

Frequently Asked Questions about Utkal Fashion Icon – The Weave Collection

1. What is the aim of Utkal Fashion Icon?

The event aims to give Odisha’s traditional handloom a modern identity and promote it on global platforms. It also encourages designers and students to engage with heritage crafts in meaningful ways.

2. Who organised the event?

SWAAH organised the show, which was held at the Sri Sri University campus in Cuttack.

3. How many designers participated?

Sixteen renowned designers showcased their work alongside more than 250 participants across various competitions.

4. How was NIF Global involved?

Students from the NIF Global School of Beauty performed live make-up demonstrations, showcasing professional runway styling skills and offering the audience a behind-the-scenes experience.

5. Was this event helpful for students pursuing fashion or beauty courses?

Yes. Events like these provide valuable real-world exposure, industry networking opportunities and practical experience, particularly for those studying fashion design or makeup and hair styling in Bhubaneswar.

Conclusion

Utkal Fashion Icon – The Weave Collection (Season 2) showed how Odisha’s handlooms can gain worldwide interest through fresh, current styling. Despite modest scale, live art displays, along with backing from key figures, boosted its impact. This event successfully linked age-old craft with today’s trends. Support from local advocates helped to highlight the cultural value of the craft without exaggeration.

Students and aspiring designers, particularly those aiming to study fashion at top design colleges in Odisha, saw how new ideas can emerge from tradition. While aiming for nationwide support, the initiative opens wider doors for skilled local craftspeople and future design talent.