Salil Chawla, Director of DFU Publications and a seasoned industry professional with 35 years of experience, recently served as a jury member for the HimGra Italtex Design for ICON Look Book 26/27 event.
Salil Chawla, a longstanding advocate of sustainability, has wholeheartedly endorsed the initiative—both in letter and spirit—bringing the weight of his experience as a seasoned trade veteran and the influence of his leading media house to champion the cause.
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 fiber innovation, and emerging luxury narratives that promise to redefine how fashion is grown, made, and honoured.
A Fiber 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 fiber 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 Ms. Cinzia of Italtex SRL, three standout winners were celebrated:
Emerging Designer Award: Parushi Garg (Meho), 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 emphasized 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.”
“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.
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