Latest news with #TheAfraWorld
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Desert dreams
Cushions of sequins shimmered like desert sand, silhouettes swayed like windswept dunes, and heritage met haute couture in a dramatic fashion comeback. Rina Dhaka, one of India's most iconic designers, made a striking return to the runway—this time in Dubai, at The Afra World, a rising platform for South Asian luxury that's quickly shaping global conversations in fashion. Curated by Niti Gupta, founder of the NIFT Alumni Network and a long-time force in fashion entrepreneurship, The Afra World was envisioned as more than just a showcase—it's a statement. 'South Asian designers bring with them a vast repertoire of design sensibilities, artisanal skill, and cultural depth. Platforms like The Afra World create space for these voices to be heard globally—opening new markets, new narratives, and redefining what luxury means today,' says Gupta. Dhaka's latest collection, inspired by the Sahara Desert, is an ode to both fragility and power. Working with an earthy palette of ecru, ivory, and sand, the designer channeled the ever-changing moods of the desert—from sunlit shimmer to soft shadows. 'We were inspired by the vastness and colours of the dunes, the sparkle of sun on sand. Sequinned handwork mimics that shimmer, while the silhouettes flow like wind over the landscape,' explains Dhaka. But this collection was more than just surface beauty. Known for her commitment to sustainable design, Dhaka incorporated repurposed bias-cut silks, organic cottons, and even cording waste dried and reworked into decorative detailing. Each piece took upwards of 100 hours to create—luxury, not just in look, but in labour.
Fashion Network
06-05-2025
- Business
- Fashion Network
Rina Dhaka celebrates sustainable fusion wear at Afra World Fashion Confluence 2025 in Dubai: exclusive interview
Designer showcased an array of sustainable fusion wear on the runway at the Afra World Fashion Confluence 2025 in Dubai, organised by international curator Niti Gupta to set a benchmark in global luxury. International fashion platform The Afra World brought eponymous designer Rina Dhaka's creations to a global audience, sharing Dhaka's translation of desert landscapes into wearable fusion wear. "The collection we created for and presented at The Afra World was inspired by the Sahara desert," Dhaka told in an interview. "It is a delicate collection based on an ecru, ivory and nude palette. I thoughtfully curated it using conscious sustainable practices. As you can see, the collection fuses traditional and modern elements." The collection featured numerous sustainable elements including repurposed leftover bias cut silk, tapes from factories, organic cottons, and Liva textiles. Dramatic runway looks also included elements made from cording waste, which was dried in the sun, washed, and repurposed into decorative detailing. Each piece in the collection took at least 100 to 150 man-hours to create and was made by the label's team of artisans. "Our vision with this collection was to be eco-conscious and yet bring about movement, while using desert-like elements," said Dhaka. "In many ways, each piece comes to life like a desert rose. This was a Dubai-specific collection, created especially for The Afra World." Designed to connect with Dubai's diverse luxury customer base, The Afra World aims to introduce designers to new demographics. "The Afra World has, over the years, transformed the local fashion landscape," The Afra World's founder and creative director Niti Gupta told in an interview. "More than just a fashion showcase, it has evolved into a cornerstone of the region's burgeoning fashion industry, attracting a discerning global audience." Aiming to represent a benchmark in luxury, The Afra World is designed to forge connections within the fashion ecosystem. Beyond runway shows, Gupta has also run showcases, networking sessions, awards, conferences, and business to business activations through The Afra World. "We hope to continue our legacy of hosting The Afra World at even larger, grander scales, bringing together emerging and established talent from across the world," said Gupta about her future plans. "Our goal is to transform the fashion landscape, spark meaningful conversations and inspire change across the industry." Dhaka is also looking to future expansion for her label. "For a while, we took things slow on the brand front," said Dhaka. "But, given the way the fashion ecosystem is growing and expanding, there are new and exciting things happening every month – whether shows, exhibitions or events like this one. I am looking forward to making a strong comeback, perhaps with London Fashion Week and focus on a ready-to-wear collection. At the same time, I'd like to advance our couture story."
