In a moment of pride for the Indian digital creator landscape, lifestyle influencer and fashion enthusiast Aashna Hegde made history by walking the runway at New York Fashion Week (NYFW) — becoming the first Indian talent from NOFILTR.Group to debut at one of the world’s most iconic fashion events.
On September 11, Hegde walked as a showstopper for acclaimed Indian designer Archana Kochhar, presenting the designer’s Jharokha collection at NYFW’s grand Hall of Mirrors venue. Her appearance at NYFW not only marked a personal career milestone but also signaled a larger shift in global fashion — one that’s increasingly embracing digital voices and cultural diversity.
Representing India, Fashion, and Sustainability
Speaking about the experience, Aashna Hegde shared on Instagram,
“I have been an ardent fashion enthusiast and have always wanted to bring to the fore my experimental fashion persona on the global stage. It’s such an honour to represent the Indian fashion community on such a global platform and help leverage the cause of sustainability.”
Kochhar’s Jharokha collection, rooted in Indian textile traditions, focused on sustainable and hand-loomed fabrics, crafted by women weavers from Madhya Pradesh. With a blend of intricate design and eco-conscious craftsmanship, the collection celebrated both Indian heritage and responsible fashion — a cause close to Hegde’s heart.
A Major Moment for Indian Influencer Culture
Aashna wasn’t alone in making history. She joined fellow content creators Gaurav and Ritu Taneja as part of the first Indian digital creators to appear on a NYFW runway. Their presence marked a broader acknowledgment of the power of influencer culture in traditionally elite fashion spaces.
The move also signals growing respect for India’s creator economy, especially as platforms like NOFILTR.Group continue to empower talent to make global impact.
Hitarth Dadia, Partner and Chief Marketing Officer of NOFILTR, stated:
“This is a moment of pride for the NOFILTR family as well as the country. Aashna has followers across the globe, and her International Fashion Week debut is a testament to NOFILTR’s belief in giving wings to promising talent.”
A New Chapter for Fashion and Influence
Aashna Hegde’s historic NYFW debut is more than a fashion moment — it’s a cultural marker. It highlights the blending of digital identity and high fashion, the rise of India’s creative voices, and the increasing recognition of influencers as legitimate icons on the global stage.
As she continues to break barriers, Aashna is inspiring a new generation of Indian creators to dream bigger, dress bolder, and take their stories to the world’s most prestigious platforms.
