VIFW - Where Heritage And Global Identity Stride The Runway

"Prayers in patterns" from India 

As a “prayer in patterns” to nature and humanity, Indian designer Ajay Kumar presented his “The Wild Monarch” collection. Under Ajay Kumar’s creative hand, the fashion designs became a manifesto breaking the boundaries between rebellion and convention, where wild power blended with regal beauty.

Ajay Kumar, one of the prominent names in contemporary Indian fashion, is also highly regarded by experts for his ability to blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetic sensibilities. At Vietnam International Fashion Week F/W 2025, Ajay Kumar recreated the majesty of Indian royalty through the lens of wild nature and Eastern mythology.

Each design is a dialogue between strength and fragility, between instinct and refined beauty. Leopard and tiger stripes blend with lotus flowers, phoenixes, and a colouur palette of deep red, gold, emerald green, and burnt amber, reviving images of regal beauty from a bygone era—magnificent yet subtly nostalgic for values ​​that are gradually fading in the modern world.

Throughout the collection, Ajay Kumar instills a spirit of craftsmanship and sustainability in each design. The Bandhgala (a formal Indian jacket) with its sophisticated structure, the printed bomber jackets, and the silk Kurtas are all showcased in eco-friendly materials such as cotton-silk blends, linen, and recycled seersucker, creating a striking fusion of styles.

The printing, embellishment, and handcrafted zardozi embroidery techniques are skillfully handled, celebrating the craftsmanship of Indian artisans and elevating each detail into a work of art. With “The Wild Monarch,” Ajay Kumar aims to affirm that luxury fashion also has a responsibility to be environmentally sustainable and to cherish the value of nature.

Amidst the majestic architecture and wild nature, “The Wild Monarch” blurs the lines between rebellion and convention, between sacredness and contemporary fashion. The designs celebrate the modern man – one who dares to live consciously, responsibly, and is not afraid to shine with pride.

As can be seen, each collection in the show conveyed a meaningful message about traditional identity through the language of fashion. And especially, the participation of talented designers from India, Laos, and Cambodia in the 20th season of Vietnam International Fashion Week contributed to celebrating cultural diversity in international fashion.

Original link: Vietnam International Fashion Week: Where heritage and global identity "stride the runway"