Sanyukta Shrestha showcasing The Newars 1901 Spring Summer 2026 collection at London Fashion Week. Image Courtesy: Elizabeth Lenthall
The grandeur of Andaz London’s historic 1901 Ballroom set the stage for one of the most captivating showcases at London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2026, the unveiling of Sanyukta Shrestha’s latest collection, ‘The Newars, 1901.’
A trailblazer in sustainable luxury fashion, the London based Nepali designer drew inspiration from her cultural roots, reimagining what it would feel like if a Newar woman from early 20th century Kathmandu stepped into Victorian London. The result is a spectacular fusion of Nepali heritage and Victorian romance, expressed through dramatic silhouettes, timeless craftsmanship, and a bold color palette of red, white, black, and gold.
The collection highlights statement pieces like the hand-embroidered Kumari Gown and the Ranjana Coat, both blending ancestral Newar artistry with regal Victorian opulence. Accessories also told powerful stories from handbags with hand carved brass Vajra handles to hairstyles mixing Victorian braids with traditional Newari silk tassels, every detail symbolized a dialogue between two worlds and two eras.
model showcases a standout look from Sanyukta Shrestha’s Spring-Summer 2026 collection “The Newars 1901” at London Fashion Week. image courtesy: Elizabeth Lenthall
True to Shrestha’s ethos, the collection champions slow fashion and sustainability. Innovative eco-conscious materials such as biodegradable fruit leathers, organic cotton, hand-painted bamboo, wild nettle, hemp, and mango fibers were used, all crafted through handmade couture techniques in collaboration with Fair-Trade certified artisan communities in Nepal.
This method not only preserves ancestral skills but also reduces environmental impact by minimizing energy-intensive processes. Every garment carries a human story of empowerment, as Sanyukta continues her mission to support women artisans and promote ethical luxury. A portion of the collection’s proceeds will directly benefit artisans and children in Nepal.
A striking look from Sanyukta Shrestha’s The Newars 1901 showcased at London Fashion Week SS26. Image Courtesy: Elizabeth Lenthall
With this collection, Sanyukta Shrestha once again positioned Nepal at the heart of global fashion, proving that true luxury lies in cultural storytelling, sustainability, and human craftsmanship. Her work continues to challenge the norms of fast fashion, encouraging consumers to embrace longevity, conscious consumerism, and the beauty of imperfection.
From Kathmandu to London, ‘The Newars 1901’ is more than just a collection, it is a magnificent declaration of identity and a tribute to the timeless artistry of Nepal.
PHOTO GALLERY: Sanyukta Shrestha’s ‘THE NEWAR 1901’ SS26 at London Fashion Week
WATCH VIDEO: Inside Fashion Story‘THE NEWAR 1901’ SS26 at London Fashion Week
