Nepali and Nepali-American designers highlighted cultural heritage and personal identity during the New York Fashion Week (NYFW) Fall/Winter 2026 collections this February, joining a global lineup of established luxury houses and emerging talent.
The season saw Manhattan venues host a range of presentations, from heritage brands like Calvin Klein and Coach to independent platforms such as Runway 7. Among the veteran presenters, Prabal Gurung debuted his collection, “Home Sweet Home,” at Cipriani 25 Broadway. Gurung, who has been a fixture of NYFW since 2009, themed his latest work around emotional resilience and identity.
On the emerging talent stage, Nepali-American designer Kriti Mainali made her international runway debut at Runway 7, held at Sony Hall in Times Square. Her 10-piece collection, “Heritage of Nepal,” featured motifs inspired by the Swayambhunath Temple and the Himalayas. The presentation included traditional Nepali music and digital backdrops of Mount Everest.
Mainali, known for her work with Miss Nepal North America, maintains production operations in Nepal. Following her NYFW debut, Mainali has been invited to showcase at the Infinity Fashion Show 2026 in Paris.
The Runway 7 event featured 85 designers from 16 countries. Notable participants included Naeem Khan, the veteran couturier who received the Excellence in Design Award for his two-decade career; Audrey Jolynn Eckert, the reigning Miss USA 2025, who walked the runway in various showcases; and Bk Smartz, a 13-year-old designer who presented alongside industry veterans.
The week’s showcases often moved beyond traditional aesthetics to address social and political themes. Several designers utilized the platform to advocate for immigrant rights and protest deportation policies. Artistic narratives also touched on sustainability, with collections incorporating recycled plastic and cardboard.
One performance featured a model removing a nailed mask and flame-printed outer layers to reveal minimalist attire, symbolizing a break from imposed identities. Another designer used futuristic silhouettes to explore themes of displacement and “alien existence.”
As the Fall/Winter 2026 season concludes, the inclusion of diverse cultural narratives—including those from the Nepali diaspora—continues to define NYFW’s role as a global hub for both commercial fashion and social dialogue.
Rajan Kafle
View More PostsRajan Kafle is a Nepali photojournalist now based in New York. He began his career in video journalism during Nepal's 2006 democratic movement. Kafle has worked for various media outlets in Nepal, including Nepal Television and Kantipur Television. He served as the official photographer for the office of the Prime Minister of Nepal from 2019 to 2021. He has been recognized for his contributions to the field with several awards.
