Ladakh has made a significant mark in the fashion world by hosting the world's highest international fashion show, a remarkable achievement that has set a new world record. This historic event took place at the dizzying altitude of 1902 feet on the 'Umling-la,' recognised as the world's highest motorable road, as part of the Vibrant Ladakh Festival.
Advocate Tashi Gyalson, the Chief Executive Councillor of LAHDC Leh, commended the world record achieved by this unique fashion show and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for permitting foreign tourists to stay in Hanle.
This pioneering fashion runway came to fruition through the collaborative efforts of the Union Territory Ladakh Administration, the Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council (LAHDC) in Leh, the Ladakh Art and Entertainment Alliance, and received vital support from the Indian Army and the Border Roads Organisation.
According to the news agency PTI, the fashion show witnessed the participation of international models from 14 different countries, including two talented models hailing from Ladakh.
The primary objective of this exceptional fashion showcase was to symbolise and promote India's vibrant culture, deeply rooted in the philosophy of 'Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.' Notably, the sands brought by the foreign models were incorporated into the foundation stone laying ceremony for the Buddha Statue at Umlingla, reinforcing the essence of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, as per the official X account of LAHDC Leh.
Furthermore, the fashion show served as a platform to showcase the exquisite GI-tagged Pashmina of Ladakh, a highly prized textile. As stated by the official to PTI, the ensembles worn by the models not only introduced the colour palette for the upcoming spring and summer of 2024 but also highlighted products crafted from Pashmina, sourced from the Changthang region of Ladakh.
During the event, Tashi Gyalson remarked, "Such unique initiatives will play a significant role in promoting and strengthening 'Border Tourism,' which undoubtedly received a major boost under the visionary leadership of Modi."