WHEN RANCHI BECAME THE RUNWAY: HIGHWAY FASHION WEEK 9 STEERS STYLE INTO A NEW ERA

WHEN RANCHI BECAME THE RUNWAY:

HIGHWAY FASHION WEEK 9 STEERS STYLE INTO A NEW ERA

  Ranchi stepped into a new era of style and sophistication as The Highway Fashion Week – Season 9 unfolded with spectacular grandeur on 15 November 2025 at Hotel Radisson Blu. Curated by Jimmi Modals Group (JMG), the landmark fashion property brought a fresh wave of high fashion to Jharkhand’s capital, showcasing a mesmerising blend of culture, innovation, and international flair. With eight successful editions already making their mark across the country, this year’s Ranchi chapter emerged as one of the most powerfully curated experiences in the show’s journey. The evening opened with a ceremonial lamp lighting, casting a warm glow on the runway and setting the stage for a night steeped in creativity. Vipul Nayak and his team elevated the atmosphere with a breathtaking performance celebrating 150 years of “Vande Mataram,” followed by a graceful Ganesh Vandana that infused the show with spiritual elegance. The distinguished presence of key dignitaries added remarkable prestige to the event. Dr. Asha Lakra-Member of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes, BJP National Secretary, and former Mayor of Ranchi-graced the show alongside Member of Parliament from Lohardaga, Sukhdeo Bhagat. Yogendra Pratap Yadav, Deputy Secretary of the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (Government of India), also honoured the occasion, while the participation of Shankar Dubey from Shankara Foundation further enriched the cultural harmony of the evening. The runway came alive with the creative excellence of seventy-five designers and fifty models, drawing an eclectic mix of talent from Ranchi, Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata. The show reached its crescendo with the appearance of international model Metok Lhazey, who turned heads as the showstopper in a finely crafted designer ensemble that embodied both elegance and attitude. Designers presented an array of collections that celebrated India’s artistic heritage while embracing modern aesthetics. Among the standout creators was Dr. Daisy Sinha, whose pieces beautifully highlighted the richness of Sohrai and Madhubani art. Designers like Sandy Larma, Manish Lohia, Divyata, and Manish Pandey also impressed with their inventive silhouettes, vibrant palettes, and avant-garde detailing. For Jharkhand’s emerging talents, the show served as a transformative platform, offering rare visibility on national and international scales. Photography for the event was expertly handled by CREATIVE VISION, capturing every stunning moment with artistic finesse. What truly set this edition apart was its immersive “Highway Theme,” conceptualized with meticulous detail by organizer Jimmi, who shared that The Highway Fashion Week is the only fashion concept of its kind in Jharkhand that consistently brings together top designers from across metropolitan cities. The ramp resembled a stylised highway complete with zebra crossings and milestone-inspired installations highlighting Jharkhand’s popular tourist destinations. The visual narrative not only embodied the spirit of the open road but also subtly promoted the cultural and travel identity of the state, turning the stage into a dramatic celebration of movement, exploration, and modern India. Beyond its vibrant glamour, the show carried a thoughtful purpose. The Highway Fashion Week aims to elevate local talent by giving them a stage where their creativity can shine beyond regional boundaries. The organizers expressed their aspiration to take future editions to international destinations, envisioning a global platform where the brilliance of Indian fashion-and Jharkhand’s evolving aesthetic-can be experienced by audiences worldwide. The artistry of the evening was further enhanced by LAKME ACADEMY Ranchi, whose makeup team ensured every model stepped onto the runway with impeccable grace and confidence. Behind the seamless execution of this memorable night was the dedicated contribution of Uday Sahu, Siddhant Singh Rajput, Preet Bhati, Sandy Larma, Manish Lohia, Jimmi, and Naina, whose teamwork and creative direction ensured that every moment reflected finesse, passion, and artistic excellence.