India’s fashion landscape is shaped by designers willing to experiment, rethink convention, and bring fresh perspectives to the way we dress. With ELLE Graduates 2026, ELLE India continues to champion the next generation of fashion talent, giving emerging labels a platform to showcase their work and introduce their design philosophy to a wider audience.
Over the years, ELLE Graduates has spotlighted a diverse roster of emerging Indian designers, including Ruchika Sachdeva, Dhruv Kapoor, and Ujjawal Dubey. The initiative continues to champion fresh perspectives and distinctive design voices shaping the future of Indian fashion.
Whether your label works with Indian wear, Western silhouettes, menswear, accessories, or sustainable fashion, the initiative is an opportunity to put your latest collection in the spotlight. If you have been building a label and are ready to take it to the next stage, here is everything you need to know about applying for this year’s edition.
Photograph: Sanjay Tomar
Who Can Apply For ELLE Graduates 2026?
Before putting together your entry, make sure your brand meets the eligibility criteria. The competition is open to brands that are a maximum of five years old in the Indian market. Labels established before January 2021 will not be eligible for this edition.
Both the brand and its owner must be based in India, and the label must have either a retail setup or an e-commerce presence. Entries must feature pieces from the latest collection, launched within the last six months.
Designers can also submit entries across multiple categories, provided they prepare a separate collection note for each category they enter.
How To Apply For ELLE Graduates 2026
The award categories are as follows:
1. Designer of the Year – Ready to Wear (Western)
2. Designer of the Year – Ready to Wear (Indian)
3. Designer of the Year – Fashion Accessories/ Jewellery
4. Designer of the Year – Men’s Wear
6. Designer of the Year – Sustainable Wear
Photograph: Sanjay Tomar
Ready to put your label forward? Here is what you need to include in your application.
1. Choose your category
2. Select your images
3. Write a collection note
4. Add your brand profile
5. Share your designer profile
6. Email your complete application
Compile all the required material into a single email and send it to ellegraduates@ogaan.co.in.
Ready To Put Your Label In The Spotlight?
Building a fashion label takes more than a strong collection. It takes a point of view, a clear understanding of the craft and the conviction to bring an idea into the world. ELLE Graduates 2026 is an opportunity to share that perspective and introduce your work to a wider audience.
If your brand meets the eligibility criteria, applications are open until 10 November 2026.
Ready to put your label forward? [Apply for ELLE Graduates 2026 here.]
Also Read:
ELLE Graduates 2025: Here’s What Went Down At This Spectacular Celebration Of Emerging Fashion Talent
Meet The Winners: Inside ELLE Graduates 2025 And The Designers Defining Tomorrow’s Fashion Landscape
