HimGra is a zero-water, zero-fertilizer wild Himalayan grass, transformed into luxurious fabrics through a partnership with Italtex SRL (Italy).
In a fashion world chasing fast cycles, the HimGra Italtex Design for ICON Look Book 26/27 dared to pause — and root its runway in the mountains. Hosted virtually on 24 June 2025, this pioneering showcase blended grassroots design, regenerative fibre innovation, and emerging luxury narratives that promise to redefine how fashion is grown, made, and honoured.
A fibre with a future
At the heart of this initiative is HimGra — a zero-water, zero-fertilizer wild Himalayan grass, transformed into luxurious fabrics through a partnership with Italtex SRL (Italy). Supported by DESCATUK, the program offered young designers a platform to create silhouettes for global fashion icons using a fibre that regenerates both land and livelihoods.
“Fashion must speak in a language of hope and honesty,†said jury member Nishi Arora, reflecting on the authenticity of the submissions.
Designers from margins to mainstage
From institutions in Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Dehradun to students from smaller colleges like KB Women’s College, the event demonstrated how talent flourishes when given the right fabric, mentorship, and a purpose-driven brief. Each designer interpreted sustainability through personal and cultural lenses — from flowing capes inspired by Stella McCartney to structured minimalism for Milind Soman.
Awards that grow with designers
In a ceremony led by Cinzia of Italtex SRL, three standout winners were celebrated:
- Emerging Designer Award: Parushi Garg (Miho), for “The Frosted Link†— a gender-fluid HimGra menswear piece that blends softness with sculptural strength.
- Student Designer Award: Team KarnBha from KB Women’s College, for a layered regenerative story rooted in social impact.
- People’s Pick: Maitri Dharod (Vegarden), for “Mist Over Mulberry Hills,†loved for its poetic tribute to mountain serenity.
“This is not a trophy moment. It’s a launch pad,†said Arpitha Rai, Creative Mentor, hinting at upcoming collaborations and shoots with the winners.
The look book: From showcase to sourcebook
The Look Book 26/27, now available for pre-order, goes beyond glossy spreads. It’s a curation of silhouettes, swatches, and statements — each one tracing its origin from Himalayan grasslands to garment ideation. For luxury buyers and responsible retailers, it offers both aesthetic inspiration and traceable sourcing potential.
Winners receive not just recognition, but access:
- Revolving HimGra fabric credit
- Mentorship from fashion industry experts
- Internships, discounts, and website spotlighting
- Potential for brand collaborations through HimGra Luxury Studio
Echo beyond the event
Throughout the event, the jury emphasised a recurring theme: fashion that regenerates must not only look good, but feel grounded.
“These aren’t just garments,†said Salil Chawla, jury member. “They’re stories spun from silence, strength, and sustainability.â€
“Some of the strongest entries came from students in small towns. This is our Mahi moment — a shift from margins to the mainstream,†added K D Sharma, Founder of DESCATUK.
Coming next
The awards close one chapter, but open many more:
- The HimGra Capsule Shoot with winners
- Brand partnership onboarding for 2025–26 sourcing
- Campus engagements to scout next-gen talent
- Expanded cultivation of HimGra with SHGs across Uttarakhand
As the climate clock ticks and fast fashion fades, HimGra Design for ICON has planted a seed for a new narrative — one where luxury is local, beauty is biodegradable, and regeneration is always in style.