Fashion Influencer Masoom Minawala Brings Indian Craftsmanship to Davos 2026

Fashion influencer and entrepreneur Masoom Minawala made a striking impact at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 2026 in Davos this week, using her global presence to spotlight India's artisan communities while participating as a featured speaker. Her appearance reflects a wider trend of Indian creators stepping into key policy and global economy conversations, with Minawala representing the creative economy alongside CEOs and policymakers. 

A Jade Ensemble Rooted in Heritage:

Minawala turned heads in a custom jade‑coloured Bandhgala, crafted using Kashmiri Jamawar textile paired with Kantha hand‑embroidery from rural Bengal, an intentional choice symbolizing her commitment to elevating traditional craftsmanship on global platforms.

“Who am I representing with what I wear on this global stage?” she wrote on Instagram, adding that her outfit was designed to let her clothes speak “for the communities, the ideals, and the vision I carry with me.”

The colour jade, associated with balance, wisdom, and harmony, also aligns with the discussions she is part of at Davos, many of which highlight equity and systemic reform in the creative economy.

Advocating for Artisan Communities and the Creative Economy:

Minawala emphasized that India's craft ecosystem comprises over 7 million artisans, the majority of whom are women. She highlighted that her brand focuses on merging heritage with economic justice, ensuring fair wages and long‑term sustainability for artisans. Her message echoes her broader advocacy at Davos, where she joined the World Woman House and Women Inspiring Network sessions to discuss inclusive creative economies and structural reforms. 

During these panels, Minawala spoke about opportunity gaps within the creator economy, noting that women make up only about 20% of the world's top‑earning creators, and stressed the need for equitable models of monetization and “patient capital” to support long‑term growth. 

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A Voice for Structural Empowerment:

“True empowerment is structural,” Minawala stated, reiterating that dignity in labour, economic autonomy, and the preservation of craft ecosystems are essential for sustainable community upliftment. Her presence at Davos underscores how modern influence, heritage preservation, and economic policy intersect, positioning India's creative entrepreneurs as key voices in shaping global dialogues.