The first-ever Bhutan Fashion Week transformed Paro’s usually busy street into a fashion runway of colour, creativity, and culture today. Instead of cars, 54 models walked the street wearing designs by nine Bhutanese designers in a celebration of Bhutanese artistry and innovation. Blending heritage with creativity, the event marked a growing confidence in the country’s fashion scene and its ambition to reach audiences beyond its borders.
The main street was filled with spectators, cameras, and music carefully chosen to complement each collection. Some designs drew on centuries-old patterns, while others experimented with bold colours and modern shapes, blending heritage with contemporary fashion.
For designers, the Bhutan Fashion Week represents both recognition and opportunity, reflecting on how far Bhutan’s fashion scene has come.
“When I really go back to 2006 and then now 2025, I can see lots of changes. At the same time, the Bhutan Fashion Week has really helped all the designers to create and to show the people what they have in mind. At the same time, how do they feel about our rich tradition?” said Dorothy Gurung, Designer.
The organisers said that the event not only displays creativity but also supports the growth and structure of Bhutan’s fashion industry.
“I hope people recognise that and support our young designers by buying their clothes and wearing their clothes and showing other people that it’s practical. It’s clothes that we can wear, it’s not just something to look at. So, I hope the people of Bhutan will support our designers by kicking off this market value that we hope for by buying the designers’ collections themselves,” said Kelly Dorji, Director, Bhutan Fashion Week.
International participants working in fashion said the designs were relevant and had the potential to make an impact.
“I think internationally, you know, the strength here and the power moving forward is going to be to really embrace what is unique and, you know, what is very heartfelt. And so, I think with that sort of honesty, you know, there’s going to be a lot of interest. It’s very recognisable,” said Jillian Davison, Fashion Editor, Australia.
The local designers hope Bhutan Fashion Week can open doors to the global fashion stage.
“I hope to see Bhutanese fashion grow, mixing our culture and modern design, modern style, and get the recognition around the world,” said Thinley Wangmo, Designer.
The four-day event began yesterday at the Royal Textile Academy in Thimphu with a photo exhibition featuring pictures taken in the 1980s by members of the Denmark-Bhutan Friendship Association.
Karma Samten Wangda, Paro
Edited by Sonam Pem
