Sumit Goel and Robert Naorem Bring Cultural Majesty to GICW with Star-Studded Spectacle

Mumbai — The third segment of the Global India Couture Week Finale was a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity, with designers Sumit Goel and Robert Naorem presenting collections that paid homage to regal elegance and indigenous pride. The ramp came alive with color, emotion, and star power as showstoppers Nandini Gupta, Birjit Singh, and Anushree graced the stage, each embodying the spirit of their respective designers.

Sumit Goel’s collection opened the segment with a tribute to royal India. Rich velvets, antique gold embroidery, and Mughal-inspired silhouettes dominated the runway. The garments were opulent yet restrained, with a focus on timeless craftsmanship. Nandini Gupta, Miss India World 2023, walked as the showstopper in a deep maroon lehenga with zardozi detailing and a structured cape—an ensemble that drew gasps from the audience. Her presence added gravitas to the collection, reinforcing Goel’s vision of empowered femininity rooted in tradition.

Following Goel’s showcase, Fraganta presented Robert Naorem’s collection—a powerful ode to Manipuri heritage and Northeast craftsmanship. Naorem, known for his commitment to indigenous textiles and cultural storytelling, delivered a lineup that was both visually stunning and emotionally resonant. Handwoven phaneks, bamboo accessories, and motifs inspired by Meitei folklore were reimagined through contemporary silhouettes.

Birjit Singh, a celebrated Manipuri actor, walked the ramp in a regal black sherwani with hand-embroidered motifs symbolizing unity and resilience. His confident stride and expressive demeanor brought depth to the presentation. Anushree, Miss Supranational India 2025, followed in a Manipuri-inspired gown that fused traditional weaving with modern draping. Her look was a statement of pride, grace, and cultural fusion.

The audience responded with thunderous applause. Fashion editors, cultural scholars, and influencers praised the segment for its authenticity and emotional impact. “This is couture with conscience,” remarked one editor. “It’s not just about beauty—it’s about belonging.”

Backstage, the energy was electric. Sumit Goel spoke of his desire to revive royal silhouettes with a modern twist. “I wanted to create garments that feel like heirlooms but speak to today’s woman—strong, graceful, and unapologetically Indian,” he said.

Robert Naorem, meanwhile, emphasized the importance of representation. “The Northeast has stories, textures, and traditions that deserve global attention. My collection is a bridge—between past and present, between local and universal.”

The segment also featured a short musical interlude with Manipuri percussion and classical vocals, adding a sensory layer to the visual narrative. The ramp became a stage for cultural dialogue, where fashion served as both canvas and catalyst.

Critics hailed the segment as one of the most emotionally charged of the day. The garments were not just couture—they were cultural artifacts, each stitched with memory, meaning, and movement. The showstoppers, too, were more than celebrities—they were ambassadors of identity.

Asia Prime News observed that this segment marked a turning point in the GICW Finale. It reminded audiences that fashion is not just about trends—it’s about truth. And when designers dare to tell stories that matter, the ramp becomes a space of transformation.

As the final model exited, the applause lingered. Sumit Goel and Robert Naorem had not only showcased garments—they had showcased India. In all its complexity, beauty, and brilliance.

Stay tuned as Asia Prime News continues its coverage of the GICW Finale. Up next: Sabyasachi’s “Keembdanti”—a poetic journey through texture, tone, and timeless silhouettes.