GUWAHATI, Feb 18: Acclaimed fashion designer Sanjukta Dutta mesmerized audiences at Bharat Tex 2025 with the launch of her latest collection, “Joonak – The Light of Moon” on Monday. Presented as part of “Earth loom – Threads of Heritage,” a grand fashion show celebrating India’s sustainable heritage weaves, this collection highlighted the timeless elegance of Assamese handloom artistry.
Curated by Aalekh Foundation in association with CITI (Confederation of Indian Textile Industry), “Earth loom – Threads of Heritage” served as a prestigious platform for promoting sustainable and traditional Indian textiles. Sanjukta Dutta’s “Joonak” stood out with its striking palette of black and red, symbolizing passion, strength, and mystique.
Blending traditional Assamese motifs with modern silhouettes, the collection showcased intricately woven silk ensembles, bold patterns, and fluid drapes. Each piece reflected the designer’s deep commitment to preserving India’s rich textile heritage while infusing contemporary elegance.
The show opened with a spectacular appearance by three-time National Award-winning filmmaker, actor, director, and entrepreneur Aimee Baruah. Her graceful presence set the tone for an evening of grandeur and cultural pride, beautifully capturing the essence of the collection.
The runway came alive with models adorned in Joonak, embodying the essence of power and grace. The collection’s deep black and fiery red hues mirrored the enigmatic glow of the moon, creating a mesmerizing visual impact.
Bollywood icon Poonam Dhillon graced the runway as the showstopper for Sanjukta Dutta, exuding elegance and poise. Draped in a breathtaking creation from the Joonak collection, she flawlessly embodied the designer’s vision of power and mystique. Her presence added a touch of classic glamour, leaving the audience in awe.
Speaking about her inspiration, Sanjukta Dutta shared, “Joonak is my tribute to the moon’s soft yet powerful radiance. Through this collection, I have aimed to merge the richness of Assamese silk with modern, bold expressions. The black and red hues symbolize both mystery and confidence, making each piece a statement of timeless elegance.”
Bharat Tex 2025 provided the perfect stage for “Earth loom – Threads of Heritage,” where leading designers and textile artisans came together to celebrate India’s sustainable handloom traditions. The event reinforced the importance of preserving and promoting indigenous weaves while fostering innovation in textile fashion.
Sanjukta Dutta’s “Joonak” received widespread appreciation from industry leaders, fashion connoisseurs, and sustainability advocates, reaffirming her position as a pioneer in Indian handloom couture, a press release stated.
ABOUT THE DESIGNER:
Sanjukta Dutta is a trailblazing designer from Nagaon, near Guwahati, whose creations beautifully weave tradition with modernity. Known for her iconic Mekhela Chador crafted from luxurious Assamese silk, especially Muga and Pat, Sanjukta’s designs celebrate the vibrant heritage of Assam while appealing to contemporary tastes. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring—starting as an Assistant Engineer with the Government of Assam, she made a bold career shift in 2012, driven by her passion for colors, designs, and storytelling through clothing.
Sanjukta’s vision goes beyond fashion. She embarked on a mission to revive the Assamese handloom industry at a time when it was struggling. By bringing together displaced artisans and providing them with sustainable livelihoods, she has built a community that thrives on creativity and craftsmanship. Today, her enterprise supports over 200 families, ensuring not just employment but also education, healthcare, and a sense of pride in their heritage.
