CORD’s First-Ever Fashion Show Was a Runway, a Play and a Story All at Once
*All images are self-taken and to be credited to The Style List
It was a hectic working day when my phone buzzed with a notification asking me to save the date for CORD’s first-ever fashion show in New Delhi. My immediate reaction was joy—the happiness of seeing homegrown brands come to the forefront and present what they truly believe in. A few days later, when I received the invite, the location caught me by surprise. It wasn’t a farmhouse or a hotel, but one of Delhi’s most iconic addresses: Kamani Auditorium. The invite promised a theatrical fashion showcase, and I wasn’t completely sure what to expect. Still, I went along with the idea that it would be just another fashion show.
The morning after witnessing CORD’s showcase, I can safely say it was anything but ordinary. Pranav Guglani and Neha Singh, the co-founders of the brand, put together a presentation that was a blend of theatre, storytelling and, of course, the traditional catwalk. It was a production so finely executed that it genuinely gave me goosebumps.
On October 6, 2026, CORD presented And Then The Clouds Were Beneath Us, a Broadway-esque, immersive showcase of the homegrown label’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection. Blending vintage aesthetics with modern functionality, storytelling and traditional Indian craftsmanship, the collection stayed true to the design language that has shaped CORD over the years.
Image Credit: Arushi Sakhuja | The Style List
Founded in 2015 by Neha Singh and Pranav Guglani, CORD is known for its nostalgic, travel-inspired designs, intricate craftsmanship, whimsical prints and an approach to fashion that often places storytelling at its centre.
Upon entering, the iconic venue felt completely transformed into CORD’s world. There was a ticket counter where guests collected their passes, while CORD logos and drapes were woven into the décor. Even the food servers were dressed in CORD, making it clear from the very beginning that this was going to be more than a conventional runway show. And then, the show began.
Opening with a short act featuring talking dolls, the presentation immediately set the stage for a story. A young girl was searching for the seamstress who, as the narrative unfolded, turned out to be her mother. As the story progressed, so did the looks.
We saw CORD’s signature hand-smocked and appliquéd details alongside painterly prints, while theatrical performances and dialogue from the cast were punctuated by moments when the auditorium itself transformed into a runway. At carefully timed intervals, models emerged and moved through the space, bringing the collection into the heart of the audience.
Image Credit: Arushi Sakhuja | The Style List
The experience was designed to engage the senses, too. Models walked through a bazaar-like setting, with some spraying perfume with fruity notes, others appearing to sell carpets, while another character transformed into a magician. It was fashion presented in a format that felt refreshingly different.
At its heart, the showcase was an amalgamation of drama, storytelling and fashion. The collection embraced an effortless, unisex sensibility, with silhouettes designed for ease and movement. A restrained palette of beige, neutrals and muted tones set the mood, while layered dresses, Bermuda shorts, barrel pants, jackets, skirts, breezy separates and fluid shapes formed the foundation of the collection. Ruffles and eclectic styling added moments of drama, bringing a playful edge to an otherwise pared-back aesthetic. Fringed boots, leg-of-mutton sleeves, boxy jackets, puffed sleeves and capris also made an appearance on the runway. The construction was relaxed and unmistakably CORD, with kitsch serving as a recurring visual language. Prints and patterns were layered together, while oversized bags, including statement XL styles for men, made their way onto the runway.
Image Credit: Arushi Sakhuja | The Style List
But perhaps the most interesting part was how seamlessly fashion became part of the story—a journey of discovering who we are. Dressing each of the actors in CORD gave every look its own personality, while still allowing each character to belong to a larger visual narrative. In this sense, clothing went beyond simply being something you wear. It became a story.
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