Krishnapriya Wins LIVA Protégé 2025 Elevated Indianwear Title

In a celebration of creativity that bridges centuries-old craftsmanship with today’s digital pulse, final-year fashion design student Krishnapriya Girish Nair has emerged as the national winner in the Elevated Indianwear category at LIVA Protégé 2025. The prestigious competition, which drew 239 talented participants from across India, concluded with its grand finale in Mumbai, where Krishnapriya’s standout collection “Chintz CTRL+R” captured the admiration of an expert jury and secured her the top honour.

A student at Amity University, Krishnapriya hails from Vasai and has brought immense pride to her family—parents Girish and Surabhi Nair—and the wider Malayali community in the region. Her winning entry reinterprets chintz, the historic hand-painted and sun-dyed textile tradition that originated in the Indian subcontinent and travelled the world as one of India’s earliest fashion exports. By titling her collection “Chintz CTRL+R”—a direct nod to the keyboard shortcut that refreshes a webpage—she cleverly frames her work as a “recoding” of heritage: refreshing classical motifs and techniques for a contemporary, globally aware audience.

The collection masterfully marries the timeless fluidity of the traditional saree with bold, structured silhouettes that feel distinctly modern. Saree-gowns become the centrepiece, creating a visual and conceptual conversation between rooted elegance and youthful rebellion. Each piece tells a layered story—of pixels meeting paisleys, of identity expressed through pattern, and of quiet pride in cultural legacy.

Fabric selection played a crucial role in elevating the designs. Krishnapriya worked with premium, sustainable materials supplied under the LIVA initiative, including Livaeco Linen Satin, 100% Modal, and Excel Linen. These choices ensured exceptional drape, breathability, and movement while aligning with eco-conscious values that are increasingly central to forward-thinking Indian fashion. The result was a series of ensembles that felt luxurious yet responsible—perfectly embodying the spirit of Elevated Indianwear: tradition honoured, never fossilised.

What set “Chintz CTRL+R” apart in such a crowded field was its clarity of vision and emotional depth. The jury recognised not just technical skill but a cohesive narrative that fused history, technology, and personal identity into a compelling runway story. The execution was confident, the storytelling persuasive, and the conceptual thread unwavering from sketch to final presentation.

Alongside the prestigious title, Krishnapriya was awarded a cash prize of ₹1,50,000, a certificate of achievement, and a commemorative memento—tangible recognition of the hard work and originality she poured into the project.

For the Vasai fashion community and the broader Malayali diaspora, the victory has sparked widespread joy and inspiration. It underscores a powerful message: Indian heritage does not require dilution to remain relevant. Instead, as Krishnapriya has shown, it thrives when deeply understood, thoughtfully reinterpreted, and fearlessly presented on national stages.

This win at LIVA Protégé 2025 marks a significant milestone for the young designer. It positions her firmly on the radar of an industry that values innovation grounded in cultural authenticity. As she completes her final year and looks toward the professional world, “Chintz CTRL+R” stands as both a strong debut statement and a promising indicator of the fresh perspectives she is likely to bring to Indian fashion in the years ahead.

In an era when global audiences increasingly seek meaningful stories behind the clothes they wear, Krishnapriya Girish Nair has reminded everyone that the most powerful designs are those that refresh tradition without ever letting go of its soul.