The Hidden Treasure is set to host the grand finale of its inaugural Designer of the Year (DOTY) competition today at The Plaza in Kathmandu. The event aims to provide a platform for emerging Nepali fashion designers and will be broadcast live on Kantipur TV.

Following auditions in Nepalgunj, Pokhara, Biratnagar, and Kathmandu, 10 designers were selected to participate in the finale. Among the finalists are Mika Mahato, Phungen Hang Limbu, Kripa Shrestha, Sushma Gurung, Sharon and Sahil—along with several other young designers. Over the past month, these designers have developed capsule collections, national costumes, and evening gowns, receiving mentorship from industry professionals.​

A panel of judges—Malvika Subba, Manish Rai, Lemi Tamang, Pranay Jaitly, and Shounak Amonkar—will evaluate the finalists’ works. The winner will receive a cash prize of Rs150,000, a JACK brand sewing machine, and the opportunity to design the national costume for Miss Nepal at international pageants. Additionally, one model from the event will secure direct entry into the Miss Nepal 2025 pageant.

Three days before the finale, The Hidden Treasure also introduced ‘Designer of the Year: Crossroads–The Future of Fashion’, in association with Bollywood celebrity fashion stylists ‘Who Wore What When’. Positioned as a bridge between Nepal’s fashion scene and global platforms, ‘Crossroads’ aims to create conversations and opportunities that push Nepali fashion beyond its current boundaries.