Threads of India Independence Edition Brings Fashion, Design and Culture to Bengaluru
Open-air runway at Rangoli Metro Art Center blends Indian craftsmanship, contemporary fashion, music and community experiences
Bengaluru hosted the Threads of India – Independence Edition 2026 at the Upper Walkway of Rangoli Metro Art Center, MG Road, on Sunday, 16 August. Presented by Brand New Money Films in association with Prime Fashion, the event brought together fashion, jewellery, music and contemporary Indian creativity in an open-air setting.
The showcase featured fashion and jewellery from Prakash Jewellers, ZClub, Dreya and Warah, alongside music, an open-mic session and a curated marketplace featuring creative brands.
Fashion takes to an open-air runway in Bengaluru
Unlike conventional ballroom fashion shows, Threads of India used the Upper Walkway at Rangoli Metro Art Center as an open-air runway, placing the showcase within the city's public environment.
The event featured four curated runway sequences presented by 16 professional models, with choreography by fashion director Anand Maheswaran.
The collections represented contemporary Indian, Indo-Western and heritage-inspired aesthetics, bringing traditional craftsmanship and heritage influences together with contemporary design.
Indian design meets the urban landscape
Set against the backdrop of MG Road, the event presented fashion and culture in an accessible public space.
The showcase was conceived around the idea of bringing Indian design into the city and creating opportunities for audiences to engage with fashion, art and culture outside conventional event venues.
Divyang Parmar, Founder – Brand New Money Films, said:
“Threads of India was conceptualised to take fashion beyond closed venues and bring it into a space where the city itself becomes part of the experience. India’s design story is incredibly diverse, and we wanted to create a platform that honours its craftsmanship and heritage while presenting it through a fresh, contemporary lens.”
Music, marketplace and community experiences
The runway presentation was followed by a series of music and community-led activities, including an open-mic session and a curated marketplace.
The marketplace brought together brands and offerings across fashion, jewellery, art, food and creative categories.
After the invite-only runway presentation, the venue was opened to the public, allowing visitors to engage with participating designers, artists and brands.
Threads of India planned as an annual platform
According to Parmar, the response to the first edition has encouraged the organisers to develop Threads of India as a recurring cultural platform.
“The response to the first edition has reinforced our belief that Bengaluru is ready for cultural experiences that are inclusive, collaborative and rooted in creativity,” added Parmar. “Our aim is to build Threads of India into an annual platform where designers, artists, musicians, brands and audiences come together to celebrate the many expressions of contemporary India.”
With the Metro located at the venue and free public access to the larger festival, the event aimed to make fashion and design more accessible to a wider audience.
The event brought together members of Bengaluru's creative community, including designers, artists, entrepreneurs, fashion enthusiasts, influencers, students and families.
Independence Edition marks first chapter
The Threads of India – Independence Edition 2026 marks the first chapter of a property planned as an annual celebration of Indian fashion, art, design, music, food and community.