India’s Premium Leather Industry to Showcase Global Strength at Leather Fashion Show 2026 and Industry Symposiumo

Chennai | January 29, 2026: India’s premium leather industry is set to take centre stage as the Indian Finished Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association (IFLMEA) hosts its much-anticipated Leather Fashion Show on February 1, 2026, followed by a Brand Symposium on February 2, 2026, in Chennai. The twin events aim to spotlight the depth, design capability and global competitiveness of India’s expanding leather sector, while fostering stronger partnerships between manufacturers, global buying houses and domestic retailers.

Announcing the event, Mr. Ateequr Rahman, Chairman, IFLMEA, said the Leather Fashion Show has emerged as a vital platform for presenting India’s design evolution and manufacturing excellence to the world. “The Fashion Show focuses the leather industry’s attention on the latest expressions of style and design. It provides global brands and international buying houses an opportunity to witness the exceptional quality and innovation emerging from India’s leather sector. These interactions directly translate into business opportunities, reinforcing India’s position in the international fashion landscape,” he said.

The 2026 edition reflects India’s growing stature not just as a manufacturing hub, but also as a significant consumer market for premium leather fashion. With many stakeholders unable to attend international fashion weeks across Paris, Milan, London or New York, the Leather Fashion Show plays a critical role by bringing global and Indian trends together on one platform, enabling the domestic industry to stay aligned with evolving market demands.

Mr. K.R. Vijayan, Convenor, Fashion Show and Symposium 2026, noted that the event will feature over 14 leading leather product manufacturers from across the country. “The show will demonstrate the industry’s capabilities across ovine and bovine leather categories, with collections ranging from premium footwear and designer leather garments to luxury handbags and accessories. With 14 showstoppers and over 70 models, the show will be directed by Bhaskaran Chandra Sekhar and choreographed by Jude Felix,” he said.

Leather apparel, especially autumn-winter collections, continues to gain traction as Indian consumers increasingly gravitate toward premium, natural materials. Leather footwear, valued for its comfort, durability and health benefits, is also witnessing sustained growth across market segments.

Extending the engagement beyond the runway, the Brand Symposium on February 2, 2026, will bring together leather brands and retailers from Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities across India. Through curated discussions, roundtables and expert talks, the Symposium will address changing consumer behaviour, distribution strategies and emerging retail trends.

Mr. Yavar Dhala, Co-Convenor, Brand Symposium 2026, highlighted the collaborative nature of the forum. “Retailers will offer manufacturers valuable insights into consumer expectations and market dynamics, while brands will help retailers and end consumers better understand product features and quality standards. This exchange is crucial to ensuring premium leather products reach discerning Indian consumers through efficient channels,” he said.

The events come at a time when the leather industry is showing strong signs of recovery. According to IFLMEA, combined domestic and export trade is expected to grow by around 15% year-on-year, with industry forecasts indicating sustained growth of 15–20% over the next three years. “IFLMEA’s global outreach and its role in facilitating policy dialogue, technology collaboration and cross-border financial partnerships position the industry well to capitalise on these opportunities,” Mr. Rahman added.

Among the key supporters of the Leather Fashion Show are Kothari Industrial Corporation Ltd. (Platinum Sponsor), Saba Group (Gold Sponsor) and Micropak (Silver Sponsor). Proposing a vote of thanks, Mr. Mohammed Jahan, Honorary Secretary, IFLMEA, expressed gratitude to all sponsors and stakeholders, and conveyed confidence that this edition of the Fashion Show and associated events would be among the most successful to date.

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