The Nepali fashion scene is catching up to the global landscape. The glamour industry is constantly in the news due to the youth’s increased fascination for things like fashion, runway, modelling, styling, makeup, and beauty products. This interest has contributed to the industry's ongoing evolution. Trends continue to inundate the younger generation, whether it's a new makeup tutorial that goes viral on social media or a new airport look that an influencer flaunts.

Six months ago, Milano Shrestha organized a vibrant runway called the ‘Milano Runway’. Featuring an array of passionate individuals from the fashion industry, the runway was a massive hit in revamping Kathmanduite's love for the glam world. The runway made its return as ‘Milano Runway Vol 2’ at Club Fahrenheit Thamel, Kathmandu this Saturday.

A total of 44 models—32 female and 14 male—who were selected from a pool of more than 100 audiences walked the runway for ‘Milano Runway Vol 2’. Prasant Tamrakar, Sandhya KC, Aakash Shrestha, and Sonam Subba Limbu judged the audition.

Shrestha launched the event to provide an opportunity for both professionals and newcomers in the Nepali fashion scene. He believes opportunities like this will fuel their passion and ignite the industry with the creative outpouring.

‘Milano Runway Vol 2’ had notable celebrity guests including Miss Universe Nepal 2023, Sophiya Bhujel and Miss Supranational Nepal 2022, Dr Keshu Khadka. The show was hosted by VJ Neelam Chand and RJ Rooben Lama and Ajay Gurung choreographed the runway sequences. He also mentored and trained the models and launched his first collection at the event.

Ten Nepal-based designers—including Aagya Khanal, Mustak Khan and Anjila Shrestha—showcased their collections at the event. The collections ranged from sophisticated formals to business casuals, and Indo-western looks to preppy and chic everyday wear. Alka Ale Magar’s collection called ‘Mystical Muse’ kicked off the show. There was a special collection dedicated to pashmina and red cashmere by Kinchu Bhutia Shrestha. Actress Shweta Khadka appeared as the showstopper for ‘Milano Runway Vol 2’.

The show also had a phantasmagorical collection by Anjila Shrestha towards the end, promoting sustainable fashion. The collection featured outfits made from recycled and upcycled materials highlighting the environmental impact of fast fashion.

Milano Runway has grown in size and stature since the first volume according to model Yukta Paudel who walked both Milano shows. "This time, the stage was much better. There were a lot of new designers and freshers. It became a little overwhelming at times. We didn't even have much time to prepare. Despite the ups and downs, we pulled off a show that people will remember for a long time," says Paudel.

Makeup artist Mohita Upreti, who has worked with Voice of Nepal and Dancing With The Stars, was excited to watch an event like Milano Runway happen in Nepal. “Events like Milano Runway give fashion enthusiasts like us the right exposure. It was also very empowering to see young men and women take over the runway fiercely. They were owning their bodies and the stage and that for me was truly inspiring,” says Upreti adding that the event made her hopeful about furthering her own career in the Nepali fashion scene.

20-year-old Rastrika Shakya, who interns at the textile factory KNM, located in Kumaripati and has a diploma in Fashion Designing from IEC School of Art and Fashion, Dillibazar, mirrors Upreti’s sentiments stating that she too is motivated to make a name for herself in the Nepali fashion scene after watching Milano Runway Vol 2. “The quality of fabrics and designs shown on the runway demonstrates how far Nepali fashion industry has come. We should be on the lookout for events like Milano that exhibit our prowess in creative industries like fashion,” concludes Shakya.