As conversations about sustainability continue to shape the fashion industry, designers are finding increasingly inventive ways to rethink the materials they work with. At Vogue Forces of Fashion in association with Tanishq, 25+ designers, labels and creative organisations will explore this idea through a showcase spanning textiles, technology and traditional craftsmanship. The fifth edition examines how materials as unexpected as film negatives and plastic ties can become part of a garment, while discarded textiles find new uses.
“Tired of living life through a screen, people are seeking out tangible, collective experiences. That which is made by hand, that showcases the heights of creativity, that inspires us to slow down and drink in the details,” says Rochelle Pinto, Vogue India’s Head of Editorial Content. “Year on year, the Forces of Fashion exhibit offers connoisseurs a chance to immerse themselves in the talent that India’s designer community is truly capable of. This year’s theme, Material Matters, challenges the very foundational blocks of fashion, and asks us to consider a future of limitless possibilities.”
Led by Sreyansi Singh, Forces of Fashion – Exhibit Lead, the exhibition will take place in Mumbai and, for the first time, New Delhi. Entry to the exhibition is free; you can sign up here to attend.
What is the Forces of Fashion 2026 theme?
What happens when materials once destined for landfills find a second life on the runway? This year’s exhibition, Material Matters, challenges our very understanding of conventional fabric, pushing the boundaries of materiality to transform the discarded into the extraordinary.
Think creations using cane and hemp, alongside experiments with banana leather, scrap metal, bio-resham and bio-badla. Film negatives, plastic ties and repurposed elements also find new creative expression through fashion.
When is Forces of Fashion 2026?
The 2026 edition will take place across two cities, bringing its celebration of Indian fashion to New Delhi for the first time.
Snowball Studios in Mumbai will host the showcase from November 19 to 22, followed by DLF Emporio Mall in New Delhi from November 29 to December 2.
Which designers are showcasing at Forces of Fashion 2026?
From established industry names to a new generation of creative talent, this year’s exhibition brings together Manish Malhotra, TILFI, Oshadi, 11.11, Princess Diya Kumari Foundation (PDKF), Kaleekal, Savio Jon, Samant Chauhan, Hannah Khiangte, TIL by AV, Receremonial, Boito, Jigmat Couture, Ashdeen, Aisha Rao, Anita Dongre, Gaurav Gupta, JADE by Monica & Karishma, Kresha Bajaj, Kunal Rawal, Papa Don’t Preach, Ka-Sha, Arpita Mehta, Sarah & Sandeep and Royal Enfield Social Mission.
Some participants will showcase in both Mumbai and New Delhi, while others will be exclusive to one city.
Vogue Forces of Fashion 2026 is presented in association with Tanishq, with Quantra as trophy partner.
Also read:
What fashion’s best-dressed wore at Vogue India’s Forces of Fashion 2025
See the full winner list from Vogue Forces of Fashion 2025—from Vijay Varma and Sushmita Sen to Kartik Research
Step inside Vogue India’s 5-day Forces of Fashion showcase
