Padma Saldon, Founder & Creative Head, 2112SALDON A Visionary Designer X Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI

Bringing Ladakhi Heritage to the Global RunwayPadma Saldon, the creative force behind 2112 Saldon, has been recognized as one of the GenNext winners at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI 2024, an accolade presented by NIFD Global in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). This recognition cements her position as a rising star in sustainable and culturally-rooted fashion, blending traditional Ladakhi craftsmanship with contemporary design.

Honouring Tradition Through Design.

Hailing from Leh, Ladakh, Padma Saldon’s work is a tribute to her homeland. Her Lakmē Fashion Week collection is deeply inspired by authentic Ladakhi attire, incorporating every element—from the dress to the inner layers—with meticulous attention to detail. Her color palette, featuring fuchsia pink, ochre yellow, and emerald green, echoes the hues worn by Ladakh’s elders, keeping the region’s sartorial legacy alive.

Pioneering Sustainable Wool Textiles.

With an innate passion for textiles, Padma initially explored pashmina, yak, and camel wool before identifying an underutilized resource—sheep wool. "Sheep wool is probably one segment where nobody was really doing anything," she explains, emphasizing her commitment to elevating overlooked indigenous materials. Through 2112 Saldon, she transforms this raw, natural fiber into contemporary silhouettes, creating a dialogue between heritage and modernity.

From Childhood Dreams to Fashion’s Biggest Stage.

Padma’s journey into fashion began at an early age. "Since the fifth standard, I knew I wanted to pursue fashion," she recalls, reflecting on her childhood love for craft and design. After refining her skills at NIFT, she launched 2112 Saldon on a date with personal significance—"21st December is my birthday, so that’s why my label is called 2112 Saldon."

Redefining Ladakhi Fashion for the Future.

With her showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, Padma Saldon is not only making waves in Indian fashion but also establishing 2112 Saldon as a global voice for sustainable luxury. Her work serves as an inspiration for emerging designers, proving that cultural heritage and sustainability can be seamlessly woven into contemporary fashion.

Experience the 2112 Saldon Collection.

Explore the essence of Ladakh through Padma Saldon’s visionary designs. Visit 2112 Saldon’s website to discover the latest collection and witness the timeless beauty of handcrafted sustainable fashion.

This article was originally published by NIFD Global at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI.

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