SOUTH ASIAN STYLE TOOK CENTRE STAGE AT THIS NYFW EVENT
By: Erica Commisso
For the first time in the United States, six South Asian designers showcased their talent on one of the biggest stages in the world - the runways of New York Fashion Week. The historic moment was made possible by online fashion marketplace Nyraa, who spearheaded the entire effort.
“New York is the epicenter of fashion, and being able to showcase South Asian fashion on such a global stage felt groundbreaking. It was a labor of love— flying in 6 iconic designers from India to NYC, stunning models and a creative team who shared the vision of celebrating South Asian craftsmanship on a global stage,” says Nyraa’s co-founder Nisha Saboo.
“It wasn’t just a fashion show—it was a movement, a celebration of identity and artistry. Seeing the audience, from influencers to industry veterans, resonate with our vision made all the late nights and challenges worth it. New York has always been about pushing boundaries, and with this show, we wanted to establish that South Asian fashion belongs on the global stage, right alongside the best.”
Image courtesy of Nyraa
Nyraa carefully selected the six luxury designers, who focused on Diwali fashion (which is a time to celebrate joy and, quite literally, shine), to represent a blend of tradition, innovation, and diversity within South Asian fashion, Saboo says. The designers offered both timeless and modern designs and aesthetics, bringing something unique to the table. Each was chosen because its work aligns with Nyraa’s mission - pushing boundaries while honoring South Asian craftsmanship.
The online marketplace was founded in 2024, and Saboo says it has two clear goals: to make South Asian designer fashion more accessible and to celebrate the incredible craftsmanship that defines the Indian culture. Along with co-founder Nikhil Saboo, she saw how difficult it is for people in North America to to access high-quality, authentic South Asian fashion. It’s particularly difficult, she says, to find pieces that felt seamless, modern, and inclusive. So they founded Nyraa, which is based in New York City and has an office in India to establish connections in both The United States and Asia.
“Many designers have incredible artistry but limited reach beyond India. We wanted to change that by creating a platform that not only showcased their work but also helped elevate their brands through experiences, events, and PR opportunities,” Saboo explains. “We want to give people access to these beautiful pieces while also empowering designers to thrive in an international market. For us, it’s about creating a space where tradition and modernity coexist, and where South Asian fashion can truly shine.”
Image courtesy of Nyraa
As the online marketplace expands and gains traction, Saboo hopes to continue to make South Asian fashion accessible across the globe. Nyraa is launching worldwide shipping this year, with the hopes of casting a bright light on the traditions the brand values. It also offers in-person appointments in the brand’s midtown Manhattan studio, making the luxurious pieces feel more personal for consumers. What’s more, every piece available on the website and in the studio can be custom-made to fit any measurement.
“Nyraa stands for much more than just a fashion platform—it represents a commitment to accessibility and global representation. The name embodies our mission to share the richness of South Asian craftsmanship with the world, ensuring that our culture and artistry are seen and appreciated on a global scale,” Saboo says. “Nyraa is about creating a space where South Asian designers can be recognized and celebrated, while also making their work accessible to people everywhere. It’s about being able to share our culture, our heritage, and our pride in the arts with the world, elevating South Asian fashion to the global stage it truly deserves.”