Kolkata, October 26, 2026: The Indian Leather Products Association (ILPA) is set to bring together fashion, innovation and sustainability with its flagship fashion show, ‘Leather on the Ramp 2026’, scheduled to take place on October 29 at Hotel Hyatt Regency, Kolkata. The event will be a major highlight of the International B2B fair, AILPA 2.0, which will welcome more than 60 international buyers representing leading global brands and major Indian buying houses and brands.
Representing over 200 manufacturers, exporters and industry stakeholders, ILPA is one of India’s leading leather trade bodies. Headquartered in Kolkata, the association works to strengthen the Indian leather industry through advocacy, skill development, global collaborations and initiatives that promote innovation, sustainability and international recognition for Indian-made leather products.
Sustainable Fashion Meets Luxury and Innovation
‘Leather on the Ramp 2026’ aims to strengthen ILPA’s vision of establishing the fashion show as a globally recognised platform for Indian leather products. The showcase will highlight contemporary designs, technology-integrated fashion trends, sustainable production practices and the use of innovative materials, including textiles, rattan and eco-leather.
Five premium exporters from Kolkata, along with a design studio, will present their exclusive collections on the runway, highlighting the craftsmanship, creativity and design capabilities of India’s leather goods industry. The event is also expected to promote Indian leather products as globally competitive, forward-looking and aligned with evolving international fashion trends.
Beyond fashion, ILPA will use the platform to highlight its corporate social responsibility initiatives, including eco-friendly leather projects, youth training and community engagement programmes.
AILPA 2.0 to Bring Global Buyers and Industry Experts Together
Running from October 28 to 30 at the Biswa Bangla Exhibition Centre, AILPA 2.0 will feature live demonstrations, interactive workshops and panel discussions involving industry experts. The sessions will provide opportunities for knowledge exchange, business networking and discussions on emerging trends and the future of the leather and fashion sectors.
ILPA is also strengthening the industry’s talent base through skill development and vocational training programmes aimed at equipping young people with industry-relevant skills. Collaborations with domestic and international institutions are further supporting technology transfer, knowledge exchange and capacity building.
With India’s leather export market projected to cross USD 8 billion in 2026–27, the association sees significant opportunities to expand exports, strengthen manufacturing capabilities and enhance India’s position in the global leather goods market.
ILPA Leadership Highlights Manufacturing and Employment Opportunities
Speaking ahead of the event, ILPA President Md. Azhar said, “Our motto is ‘Think Leather – Think Bengal’. We are privileged that our Government is very proactive in promoting manufacturing and exports here and developing our ILPA leather goods park into a world-class production hub.”
Arjun M. Kulkarni, Chairman of the ILPA Fashion Show Committee, highlighted the employment potential of the sector, stating that ‘Leather on the Ramp 2026’ aims to reinforce ILPA’s vision of creating thousands of new employment opportunities across manufacturing, design, retail and exports, driven by strong demand in both domestic and international markets.
Through Leather on the Ramp 2026 and AILPA 2.0, ILPA aims to bring Indian craftsmanship, sustainable innovation and global business opportunities together, reinforcing Kolkata’s role as an important centre for the country’s leather goods industry.
