Bhutan to Host Its First-Ever Fashion Week in October 2025

Bhutan is set to host its first-ever Bhutan Fashion Week from 27 October to 1 November across Bumthang, Paro, and Thimphu, themed around the past, present, and future. The event, funded by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property, will bring together 21 local designers, international models, photographers, and fashion magazines to showcase Bhutanese creativity on a global stage.

Bhutan is preparing to host its first-ever Bhutan Fashion Week (BFW), an extraordinary platform set to showcase the nation’s unique textiles and creative universe. Rooted in Bhutan’s reputation for Gross National Happiness, its carbon-negative status, and a mindful, sustainable approach to development, this event seeks to bring Bhutan’s rich sartorial traditions proudly to the fore. “Here, the fabrics are the pathways of our sustainable goals,” the official event page reflects.

Scheduled from 27 October to 1 November 2025, BFW will unfold during autumn—“returning to mother nature, the transformation that exudes colours and shades of the earth”—making it an ideal seasonal backdrop for celebrating Bhutanese creativity. The week-long celebration will take place across three dzongkhags—Bumthang, Paro, and Thimphu—each symbolising a different theme: the past, present, and future.

The historic halls of Wangduechhoeling Palace in Bumthang will honour Bhutan’s past, while the lively streets of Paro town will transform into a runway, shining a spotlight on the present. In Thimphu, the stage will be set to unveil how Bhutanese fashion envisions its future. This week-long celebration promises a scale and vision unlike anything Bhutan has attempted before.

A New Chapter for Bhutan’s Creative Industry

The Director of the Royal Textile Academy (RTA), Ugyen Tenzin, described the launch of BFW as a defining moment for Bhutan’s creative sector.

“It is larger, more inclusive and more ambitious, unfolding over three different dzongkhags, each with a different theme and vision,” he said.

Unlike earlier fashion initiatives, BFW aims to be collaborative at its core. Leading Bhutanese designers, models, and participants from India will be joined by photographers, stylists, fashion magazines, and creative professionals for an immersive, curated experience. Around 21 local designers are already confirmed to take part.

Designers at Bhutan Fashion Week

Among the highlights of the inaugural Bhutan Fashion Week is Tashi Zangmo’s Wangpe Couture, which will present a collection centred on the gho and kira. Classic Bhutanese motifs are reinterpreted through modern colour palettes and styling, offering a fresh perspective while staying firmly rooted in tradition.

Dorji Sanmo draws inspiration from the Highlanders of Bhutan, with designs that celebrate their resilience, strength, and deep connection to the natural world.

Founder of SonyCTenzin and the Bhutan Fashion Institute of Technology, Sangay Choden continues her mission of preserving Bhutan’s textile heritage while driving sustainable innovation. Her latest line, PAZAP – The Spirit of a Warrior, evokes Bhutan’s warrior past through structured shoulders, sharp lines, and fabrics that tell a story of modern strength grounded in ancient roots.

The line-up also features designers such as Pema Choki, whose comfortable dailywear collection brings Bhutanese fashion into everyday life, and Peldonna, celebrated for her mastery of textile artistry. Together, these designers exemplify the creative diversity and ambition that make Bhutan Fashion Week an event of historic significance.

Taking Bhutanese Design Global

The event is being funded by the Department of Media, Creative Industry and Intellectual Property (DOMCIIP). Director Sonam Penjor explained that the initiative was born out of a pressing need to give Bhutanese designs visibility on international platforms. “Designs on their own cannot be sold. What we needed was a mode to take them to international platforms, and fashion became that mode,” he said.

He added that the vision extends well beyond this year’s edition. “We are trying our best to make it so good that next year there will be others who want us to do it at their own cost. It is a risk worth taking, and if not now, it may be too late.”

Balancing Tradition and Modernity

Creative Director Lhari Karma Wangchuk highlighted the thoughtful approach of Bhutanese designers in navigating the fine line between tradition and innovation.

“Designers are mindful, balancing preservation with the need to evolve.”

He noted that cultural attire naturally evolves over time, pointing out how the gho and kira have seen subtle modifications through the years. “What matters is finding the balance; preserving the past while looking forward.”

Some critics have raised concerns about the commercialisation of culture. In response, DOMCIIP’s Director emphasised that making culture appealing to younger generations can, in fact, help sustain it.

“We should promote our culture in such a way that its application becomes appealing, and therefore it is preserved organically,” he said.

Drawing comparisons to South Korea’s cultural wave, he argued that Bhutanese fashion must be worn and promoted if it is to thrive globally.

A Platform for Global Recognition

BFW’s Show Director, Kelly Dorji, said the platform would help situate Bhutan within the global fashion conversation. “The show is based on the concept of past, present, and future,” he said.

The three venues will bring these themes to life. In Bumthang, the opening will honour Bhutan’s heritage by reviving the origins of National Day celebrations through the work of local weavers and artisans. Paro will host the “present”, with shows that blend cultural exchanges and everyday Bhutanese life. Finally, Thimphu will symbolise the “future”, with the RTA providing a contemporary stage for the country’s design aspirations.

Adding to the global appeal, the event will feature around five international photographers, leading fashion magazines, and 12 top models from India.

Building for the Future

The broader ambition, according to DOMCIIP, is to establish Bhutanese fashion as relevant in high-end international markets. “We cannot compare ourselves to Paris, Milan or London, but we can ensure that the world hears about our designers,” said the Director.

There are also talks of forming a Bhutan Fashion Council to provide sustained industry support, though organisers caution that this would require significant government commitment and resources.

Meanwhile, a digital platform will be launched at the close of Fashion Week, serving as a permanent directory for Bhutanese designers and connecting them directly with global buyers.