National Designer Award
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| National Designer Award (NDA) | |
|---|---|
| Location | India |
| First award | 2018 |
| Website | www |
National Designer Awards (NDA) is an annual fashion awards ceremony held in India. Organized by the World Designing Forum (WDF), the program is designed to identify and promote fashion designers from various regions, specifically focusing on talent from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. The event follows a seasonal format that includes state-level selections and regional exhibitions, leading to a national grand finale.[1][2]
The brand name "NDA – NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARDS" is protected under Indian intellectual property laws as a registered trademark and copyrighted work, covering advertising and promotional services for fashion ceremonies.[3]
Since its inception in 2018, the National Designer Awards has served as a platform for designers to showcase works that incorporate traditional Indian textiles. The organizers emphasize the modernization of Indian handloom and alignment with the "Vocal for Local" initiative.
Season 6, held in New Delhi in 2023, and the 2024 edition in Goa focused on providing national exposure to regional craftsmanship. These editions featured participation from designers representing over 20 Indian states, highlighting materials such as Banarasi silk, Pashmina, and Kanchipuram silk.[4][5]
Format
The program operates through a multi-tier selection process. Designers are initially identified through state-level screenings. Selected participants are encouraged to collaborate with local textile clusters to develop collections that are subsequently presented at a national finale.
The event has involved various industry professionals for evaluation and mentorship. Notable fashion figures, including Neeta Lulla and Anamika Khanna, have been associated with the awards as recipients or mentors.[6]
Award Recipients
The following table lists selected recipients recognized for their contributions during recent seasons:
| Year | Recipient | Category | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | Ken Ferns | Best Resort Wear Collection | [4] |
| 2023 | Neeta Lulla | Best Ethnic Elegance | [6] |
| 2023 | Anamika Khanna | Best Bold Silhouettes Couture Award | [7] |
| 2023 | Nidhi Kumar | Emerging Talent in Indo-Western Fashion | [8] |
| 2024 | Priyanka Nag | Best Designer of the Year (Mumbai) | [9] |
| 2024 | Benwangliu Newmai | Best Designer of the Year (Nagaland) | [10] |
Legal Status
The National Designer Awards is protected under Indian intellectual property laws:
- Trademark: The brand "NDA – NATIONAL DESIGNER AWARDS" is a registered trademark (No. 6794543) under Class 35, held by WDF International Private Limited since January 8, 2025.
- Copyright: The framework and creative structure of the program are registered with the Copyright Office, Government of India (Registration No. L-147301/2025). Ankush Anami is the registered author, and WDF International Private Limited is the owner.[11]