Chennai’s India International Leather Fair showcases 2026’s trends: Corsets, athleisure and cowboy chic

Be it biker chic, rock, punk, or bad boy aesthetics, leather has always been a staple. But over the years, leather has moved beyond just jackets, bags and shoes. Now, they appear as elegant outfits, embellished corsets, pencil and fishtail skirts, and as trimming details. This year’s International Leather Fair in Chennai highlighted the material’s potential.

Held from February 1 to 3, the India International Leather Fair (IILF) launched with a fashion show at the ITC Grand Chola. The fair draws buyers from across the world. Private labels and sourcing agents use it to place orders and identify manufacturers across the State, which makes this an especially important show for the industry.

Organised by Indian’s Finished Leather Manufacturers and Exporters Association (IFLMEA) at the Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, this is said to be Asia’s largest leather show.

The fashion show featured over 70 models and 14 showstoppers — models such as Manika Vishwakarma (Miss Universe India 2025), Ayushree Malik (Miss Supranational India 2025), Madhuram Daga (Rubaru Mr India International 2025) walked the ramp. About 13 labels exhibited their collections. The garments, accessories, and footwear displayed a rich spectrum of textures, styles and silhouettes fresh from the world of leather. The showcase unveiled a comprehensive leather fashion collection spanning men’s, women’s, and children’s wear.

“This show brings together the latest leather trends, colours, and textures, giving buyers a clear view of collections that are ready for business. We wanted to give the influencers an opportunity to see the products before reporting back to their companies,” said Yavar Dhala, co-convenor of the fashion show.

Leather apparel was all the rage this year. Brands like Perf reimagined leather as an everyday staple by integrating leather in athleisure and professional wear, along with accessories such as gym bags; while Central Leather Research Institute showcased leather garments (think bodycon dresses) and bags.

The segment by Ramjee Leathers and Supplies was inspired by the Wild Wild West with bold fashion forward pieces featuring cowboy hats, tasselled bags, and fringe vests. FDDI (Footwear Design & Development Institute) incorporated bling into their collection with rhinestone embedded jackets, and sculpted leather trench coats.

“This show carries a powerful legacy and plays a vital role in bringing India’s largely unorganised leather industry together. With global designers showcasing in India, it opens the market internationally and I’m proud to support such a meaningful initiative,” said Manika Vishwakarma, Miss Universe India 2025, who sported a brown leather corset.

Manika Vishwakarma, Miss Universe India 2025

Talking about what it takes to design a show of this stature, Bhaskaran Chandra Shekhar, the director of the fashion show, says, “Each walk is built around a brand’s DNA, its USP, its story, and how its leather craftsmanship speaks to an expert audience. In a limited time, we wanted to create stories that showcase leather as versatile, wearable, and design-driven.”