The 11th season of Dress to Impress, a signature fashion event organized by the IIFT School of Fashion and Interior Design, concluded in spectacular fashion at the Pragya Bhawan, Kamaladi, Kathmandu. With a grand stage, vibrant energy, and a showcase of imaginative artistry, the event served as a celebration of innovation and fashion-forward thinking.
This season’s highlight was the participation of 137 student designers, each donning and presenting outfits they personally designed. The students confidently walked the runway in garments that reflected not only technical skill but also a deep understanding of style, fabric, form, and storytelling. What made the show unique and powerful was the designers themselves becoming models, presenting their work with personal flair transforming the runway into a canvas of self-expression.
The fashion showcase was structured around four conceptual themes: Vintage Glamour, Pop Art and Eclectic Elements, The Art and The Artist, and Frill Seekers. These themes allowed students to explore a range of design philosophies and aesthetics from the classic elegance of vintage styles to the bold, vibrant expressions of pop culture and eclecticism. Winning designers in each category included Rozina Bhandari for Vintage Glamour, Sahil Jung Kshetri for Pop Art and Eclectic Elements, Lalita Hasda for The Art and The Artist, and Karishma Bucha Magar for Frill Seekers.
In addition to these primary awards, several special titles were awarded to recognize individual strengths. Sama Rai was named IIFT Likes Legend Champion, highlighting her popularity and design appeal. Sarita Thapa Magar earned the IIFT Shared Strome Champion title, and Prajina Tuladhar was honored with the IIFT Public Choice Award.
The show wasn’t just about student talent, it was elevated by the presence of well-known personalities who brought additional glamour and prestige. Actress Diya Maskey, Miss Nepal World 2024 Ashma Kumari K.C., and Miss Nepal Earth 2024 Sumana K.C. graced the runway as showstoppers, captivating the audience and adding an aura of star power to the evening.
The event was choreographed and hosted by Rojin Shakya, a well-respected media personality and fashion choreographer, whose creative direction helped bring the students’ visions to life on stage. The panel of judges included notable figures in Nepal’s fashion industry designers Rajesh Dhakhwa, Nibha Shrestha, Nisha Shrestha, Ropuma Manandhar, and Sanjita Baral, alongside Rupesh Shrestha, director of The Hidden Treasure, who all contributed their expertise in evaluating the designs.
The event was supported by Shree Riddhi Siddhi Jewellers as the title sponsor, with additional sponsorship from Passion Lifetime Tissue and Berina Professional. Their backing helped provide a professional, high-production-value experience for both the participants and the audience.
