EMERGING DESIGNER OF THE YEAR 2026: MUBASIRRAH KHATRI HONOURED AT JAIPUR DESIGN WEEK

Jaipur Design Week 2026, hosted by the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University, will run from 4–11 April. On the final day, Mubasirrah Khatri will be celebrated as Emerging Designer of the Year, marking her pioneering journey as India’s first woman Ajrak printer and rising fashion innovator. 

The Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University, Jaipur, has announced that Jaipur Design Week 2026 will take place from 4 to 11 April, bringing together creative minds, industry leaders, and design enthusiasts for a week-long celebration of innovation and artistry. The highlight of the festival will be the conferring of the prestigious Emerging Designer of the Year award on 11 April, an honour that this year goes to Mubasirrah Khatri, a trailblazing artisan and designer whose work has already begun to reshape the contours of Indian fashion and craft.

Khatri’s recognition is historic. She is the first woman in India to master the centuries-old craft of Ajrak printing, a textile tradition deeply rooted in heritage yet often dominated by male artisans. Her achievement is not only a personal milestone but also a cultural breakthrough, symbolising the possibilities of preserving traditional techniques while reimagining them for contemporary audiences. A graduate of the KG Somaiya Design School, she has steadily built a reputation for combining craft authenticity with modern design sensibilities, positioning herself as a voice of both continuity and change.

Her journey has been marked by bold steps into the mainstream fashion world. Khatri’s work has been showcased at Lakme Fashion Week, one of India’s most influential platforms for emerging and established designers alike. There, her collections stood out for their ability to merge Ajrak’s intricate motifs with modern silhouettes, appealing to both connoisseurs of craft and younger audiences seeking fresh, culturally resonant fashion. Beyond the runway, she has launched her own brand, further cementing her role as an entrepreneur who is determined to bring artisanal traditions into the global fashion conversation.

Recognition has followed swiftly. Khatri has already been named among the country’s “30 under 30” celebrities, a testament to her growing influence and the resonance of her work with a new generation of consumers and creatives. Her inclusion in this list underscores her ability to balance heritage with innovation, and to inspire others by showing that craft-based design can be both commercially viable and culturally significant.

The announcement of her award at Jaipur Design Week carries symbolic weight. The festival itself has become a hub for design dialogue, showcasing the breadth of creative practice across disciplines, from fashion and textiles to product design, architecture, and digital innovation. By honouring Khatri, the organisers are not only celebrating her individual achievements but also sending a wider message about the importance of nurturing young talent, supporting women in craft traditions, and recognising the role of design in shaping cultural identity.

For Khatri, the award is likely to be both a validation and a springboard. As she continues to expand her brand and explore new creative directions, the recognition at Jaipur Design Week will amplify her visibility and open doors to collaborations, exhibitions, and opportunities beyond India. It also places her firmly within the narrative of contemporary Indian design, where the blending of tradition and modernity is increasingly seen as a defining strength.

As Jaipur prepares to host the week-long festival, anticipation is building not only for the exhibitions, workshops, and discussions that will animate the city, but also for the moment when Khatri takes the stage to receive her honour. Her story embodies the spirit of Jaipur Design Week: a celebration of creativity that is rooted in heritage yet unafraid to embrace the future. In recognising her as Emerging Designer of the Year 2026, the Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University is affirming that the future of Indian design lies in the hands of those who can honour tradition while daring to innovate.