Celebrated Indian designer Sanjukta Dutta unveiled her evocative collection ‘Kuwoli (The Mist)’ at the Global Fashion Collective Showcase during New York Fashion Week, presenting a refined blend of heritage craftsmanship and contemporary global couture.
The showcase was graced by the presence of Shri Vishal Jayeshbhai Harsh, IFS, Deputy Consul General of India in New York, whose attendance highlighted India’s continued support for promoting traditional textiles and cultural artistry on international platforms.
Speaking on the occasion, he said it was inspiring to see Indian designers like Sanjukta Dutta bringing the richness of India’s handloom heritage to global audiences. He noted that such designers act as cultural ambassadors, preserving tradition while creating economic opportunities for skilled artisans and strengthening India’s soft power through fashion.
At the conclusion of the showcase, Sanjukta Dutta walked the ramp draped in her signature Assamese saree. The words woven into her chador translated to “Proudly Assamese,” reflecting her deep cultural pride and unwavering commitment to showcasing Assam’s textile legacy on the world stage.
A visionary designer from Assam, Sanjukta Dutta is widely recognised for revitalising the region’s ancient handloom heritage and elevating it to international prominence. After transitioning from a career in engineering to fashion, she dedicated her label to empowering traditional women weavers and preserving the intricate artistry of Assamese silk. Her work has previously been showcased at major international platforms including Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and Cannes.
Her design philosophy views clothing as a canvas for cultural storytelling. By reimagining the traditional Mekhela Chador into modern couture, she bridges heritage craftsmanship with high fashion while championing sustainability and artisanal empowerment.
‘Kuwoli (The Mist)’ draws inspiration from the mystical winter dawns of Northeast India — that poetic moment suspended between night and day. Moving away from festive vibrancy, the collection expresses “soft strength” through a refined black-and-white palette, exploring the beauty of shadow, ambiguity and quiet elegance.
Translating the fluidity of mist into Assamese silk, the collection features diverse silhouettes including the regal Mekhela Chador, voluminous skirts and structured contemporary dresses. Crafted from indigenous Pat Silk (mulberry silk), known for its softness and natural sheen, the monochrome designs highlight intricate geometric motifs paired with bold architectural cuts.
At its core, ‘Kuwoli’ embraces sustainable slow fashion. Entirely handwoven by rural women artisans of Assam, the collection preserves generational craftsmanship while fostering economic empowerment and environmental responsibility. Each piece reflects a commitment to ethical luxury rooted in authenticity.
Looking ahead, Sanjukta Dutta envisions her brand as a global ambassador for Indian handloom, positioning Assamese silk firmly within international fashion conversations and spotlighting weavers as equal partners in shaping the future of global fashion.
