Designer Sanyukta Shrestha Shortlisted for 2027 Future Icons Award

LONDON, UK — 28 October 2026 – Nepalese-born visionary British fashion designer Sanyukta Shrestha has been shortlisted for Female Founder of the Year at the 2027 Future Icons Awards, marking another milestone in her journey as a designer and founder committed to redefining sustainable luxury fashion.

Born in Nepal and now based in London, Sanyukta began her fashion journey at the age of 17, when she received her first Best Designer Award. From the early stages of her career, she developed a deep connection with Nepalese craftswomen and traditional craftsmanship, laying the foundations for a fashion philosophy rooted in cultural heritage, ethical production and sustainable innovation.

In 2011, she took a pioneering step into sustainable luxury bridalwear in the UK, at a time when sustainability was far from mainstream in the luxury wedding industry. Her vision was to demonstrate that luxury fashion could be beautiful and desirable while respecting people, the planet and the communities behind its creation.

Through her eponymous London-based brand, Sanyukta brings together Nepalese heritage craftsmanship and contemporary luxury design. Her collections champion the skills of master artisans, preserve traditional craft techniques and explore alternative materials, including plant-based fibres and innovative approaches to reducing waste.

Nepal remains central to Sanyukta’s creative identity and the values that shape her work. Through long-standing relationships with Nepalese artisans and communities, she seeks to preserve traditional skills, sustain cultural heritage and create meaningful opportunities for women and their families.

Reflecting on the significance of her journey, Sanyukta said: “I am deeply honoured by this recognition. For me, sustainability has always meant more than how we create fashion; it is about preserving our heritage, valuing the hands behind our craft and creating opportunities for a better future. Working alongside Nepalese women, including survivors of trafficking rebuilding their lives through traditional skills, has shown me how craft can restore dignity, nurture self-belief and foster independence, while giving their children new hope. Seeing their pride, resilience and smiles is one of the greatest rewards of my work.”

Her work has received much prestigious recognition across the fashion and bridal industries, including winning the PETA Luxury Vegan Wedding Awards in 2021. In 2026, her brand was also recognised as Wedding Boutique of the Year.

The 2027 Future Icons Awards shortlist recognises a continuing entrepreneurial journey that connects heritage with innovation and challenges conventional ideas of luxury. For Sanyukta, the ambition extends beyond individual recognition: it is about demonstrating that fashion can create value not only through design, but also through the people, skills and communities that make it possible.

As a Nepalese-born designer building an international brand from London, Sanyukta continues to champion the belief that Nepal’s rich craftsmanship heritage has an important place in the future of global luxury fashion.

The 2027 Future Icons Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on 16 November 2026.