Inside Nyraa’s Celebration of South Asian Excellence
Fashion marketplace Nyraa hosted New York City’s largest celebration of South Asian excellence in fashion on October 22. The NYRAA Fashion Show highlighted six South Asian labels setting the tone for international fashion: Aisha Rao, Jatin Malik, Moledro, Paulmi and Harsh, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna, and Varun Bahl.
Lights, Camera, Showtime
At 8:07 p.m. — after several reminders by the DJ to find a seat — the lights inside The Times Square EDITION dimmed. Attendees — a mix of industry professionals and internet personalities — fell silent as an introductory video started playing.
A brief recording of Varun Bahl introduced his collection. While Bahl’s voice faded into the background, the first of the night’s many lavishly-dressed models took to the runway. Varun Bahl opened the show with a series of floral looks adhering to a pastel palette. However, black pieces with captivating gold embroidery stood out from the soft-colored lineup
Sequins and intricately bedazzled patterns, so prominent in Bahl’s designs, were a recurring motif across the six collections. In fact, many of the collections shared design elements such as floral detailing, monochromatic sets and free-flowing silhouettes.
Moledro followed, shifting the mood with a collection inspired by romantic glamour and modern drama. The pieces drew inspiration from the ocean, using water-like sequins and mermaid silhouettes. Even the ruched details on the fabric created motion that recalled rushing water and crashing waves.
A Moment for Menswear
Jatin Malik, the third presenter, let menswear take center stage. With a special focus on grooms, Malik created an upscale men’s couture collection inspired by French artist Claude Monet. From head to toe, each look was connected holistically. The choice of color created a convincing illusion of depth in the fabric as models walked across the runway.
Though not a menswear piece, a women’s black trench coat adorned with red and orange detailing took attendants’ breath away. The look stood out as a statement piece but did not distract from the craftsmanship dedicated to Jatin Malik’s menswear collection.
Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna shut down the runway with several menswear ensembles featuring high-fashion kurtas, sherwanis and intricate footwear. Perhaps most notably, the duo showcased a monochromatic rose gold sherwani seemingly crafted from velvet fabric.
For the Feminine
In more ways than one, femininity was a pillar of the night’s collections. In fact, Paulmi and Harsh credited “the feminine” as their Fall Winter 2024 inspiration. The duo created a collection consisting of romantic two-piece sets; the lehenga was reinterpreted on the runway, embracing a wide range of colors and patterns. When the last model walked on stage, an audible chorus of wows and ohs echoed in the room.
Aisha Rao had a similar take on South Asian fashion. However, the deigner shared in her introduction, her interpretation of femininity drew on her identity as a Gemini and the corresponding idea of “contradictions trying to live harmoniously.” Appropriately, the Aisha Rao collection walked the line of grace and unconventionality. Gradients flowed across her pieces, occasionally interrupted by three-dimensional appliques. Rao used sequins to create a mesmerizing, near-holographic sheen.
Despite subtle nods to menswear, Rohit Gandhi and Rahul Khanna’s collection focused primarily on womenswear. Their rotation closed the show with glamorous bejeweled pieces that boasted high-cut slits and low-cut V-necklines. It was a collection that took direction from space and its galaxies.
South Asia Takes Center Stage
The NYRAA Fashion Show, at its core, was a boisterous celebration of South Asian creativity. From attendees, who incorporated elements of traditional attire into their outfits to the pieces showcased on the runway, everything about the evening paid homage to South Asian heritage.
Asia is currently in the global fashion, beauty and general pop culture limelight. From the rise of K-pop to the buzz around Thai stars, the entire region has produced some of the most influential trendsetters in recent years. South Asia is no different — internationally renowned brands are finally turning their sights on the star power of regions such as India and Pakistan. For example, British Indian actress Alia Bhatt became Italian brand Gucci’s first Indian global ambassador in 2023. Just a few weeks ago, Canadian Indian actor Nora Fatehi was one of Paris Fashion Week’s top APAC voices alongside the likes of Freen Sarocha and Heart Evangelista. Most recently, Dior appointed actor Sonam Kapoor as their newest brand ambassador.
But the buzz is not only about celebrities. South Asia boasts a long craftsmanship legacy. The region’s textiles, traditional costumes and artisanal work have stood out throughout the centuries, influencing global fashion. Now, South Asian designers are picking up the baton and sharing their boundless creativity and tradition with audiences worldwide.
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