Tradition Meets Modernity: How Emerging Fashion Weeks Are Redefining Traditional Clothing
In the fashion world, few events command attention like the “Big Four”: Paris, Milan, New York and London Fashion Weeks. These iconic shows are where powerhouse designers like Chanel, Prada and Ralph Lauren unveil their latest collections, setting trends that ripple across the globe. Yet, beyond this Western-dominated spotlight lies a myriad of lesser-known fashion events that showcase the collections of local designers.
In the past month, fashion weeks in Tokyo, Dubai, New Delhi and Johannesburg have all come and gone, debuting the Spring collections of various Asian and African-based designers. Between these, a common trend among their collections is a rejection of Western designs in favor of traditional ensembles. Here is a look at some of the most unique inclusions from the past October fashion weeks.
Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo
Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo, which takes place from October 13 to October 18, showcases the newest ready-to-wear collections from some of Japan’s hottest new designers.
In last month’s 2026 Spring/Summer shows, Haute Mode Hirata, a Japanese luxury hat brand, unveiled their newest collection. The collection included tulle hats decorated with Nebuta washi paper, Japanese handmade paper used for crafting colorful lanterns in Japan’s Nebuta festival.
A common sight in the Tokyo Fashion Week lineup is Yoshikimono, a Kimono brand started by Japanese rock musician Yoshiki. The brand puts a modern twist on the traditional Japanese garment. While Yoshikimono was not present in last month's Tokyo Fashion Week, the brand still highlights traditional elements bleeding into runways across the world.
Riyadh Fashion Week
First started in 2023, the 2025 season is Riyadh Fashion Week’s third installation, running from October 16 through October 21. Known for its lack of international brands, RFW broke tradition this year with an opening show by Vivienne Westwood and closing the week with Stella McCartney.
On October 19, HINDAMME, a Saudi-based brand started by designer Mohammed Khoja, unveiled “The Hejaz Collection.” This collection, which was inspired by the Hejaz region of Saudi Arabia, saw the inclusion of many traditional Arab garments and materials. Many garments also included the Arabic alphabet.
South African Fashion Week
Started in 1997 and serving as Africa’s largest fashion collective, South African Fashion Week highlights the unique talents of African designers and artists.
One of the more notable brands to make an appearance this October is Sun Goddess South Africa, a Johannesburg-based label focused on designing culturally authentic garments. While their brand does not draw from any specific group, its Spring/Summer 2025 “Langakazi” collection incorporated patterns found in the clothing of the Tswana people from the North West Province of South Africa. Many of their garments also draw inspiration from Xhosa and other southern African groups.
Lakmē Fashion Week
Hosted biannually between Mumbai and New Delhi, Lakmē Fashion Week is India’s premier fashion collective. This year's Spring/Summer shows, which occurred from October 8 through October 12, saw notable Indian designers like Tarun Tahiliani and Anamika Khanna showcase their newest collections.
Like most fashion brands, many of the shows focused on Western motifs. However, a handful stood out for their unique inclusion of traditional Indian fashion. Lakmē Salon, in collaboration with designers Mohit Rai and Ridhi Bansal of ITRH, debuted “Noor: A Signature Bridal Collection.” In this collection, they blended woven antique Benarasi brocade with Navratan polki to create a signature maximalist look–a design reminiscent of traditional Indian bridal outfits.
This year, we also saw the runway debut of Aneet, walking for Tarun Tahiliani in a custom golden sequin saree. This look, which draws inspiration from traditional sarees whilst maintaining a western look, features Swarovski crystals and a sequin-embellished pallu draped around Aneet’s shoulder.
Editor: Sydney Annis
Graphic: Sarah Chastain