Delhi played host to the 25th edition of Lakmē Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India, celebrating five days of fashion, flair, and creativity. At every edition, Indian fabrics shed their “museum-piece” image to emerge as agile, expressive, and unmistakably contemporary on the runway.
From Suneet Varma’s versatile separates silhouettes – designed to be worn together or styled separately – effortlessly blending practicality with high-fashion allure, to Shantnu & Nikhil’s Velora, inspired by the cinematic glamour of the 1930s – an era that immortalised red carpet sirens – this edition highlighted how each label stayed true to its signature design philosophy while bringing a fresh, modern perspective.
Here’s a look back at how new-age Indian designers reimagined their aesthetics for a new season of style.
Day 1
Day 1 began with NIF Global presenting the GenNext program at Lakmē Fashion Week – an initiative that has long served as a launchpad for emerging talent, showcasing fresh perspectives on Indian crafts. Over the years, it has gifted the country with pioneers of fashion, culture, and creativity. This year’s designers continue that legacy with vision and vitality.
Anam Husain’s label, Cut-Putly, explored the interplay of reverence and rebellion, creating an unexpected dialogue between urban decay and traditional craftsmanship. The name itself becomes a metaphor for patriarchy, control, and liberation.
Meanwhile, Pranita Choudhary’s collection, Gaach, translated fading memories into textiles rooted in nostalgia – bridging the charm of old Bengal with the rhythm of the contemporary world.
Day 2
Day 2 kicked off with Aseem Kapoor, who transported audiences to the bohemian landscapes of Peru with his collection Akaar. The runway came alive in shades of terracotta, beige, ochre, and azure, with asymmetric silhouettes fused seamlessly with nomadic-inspired prints, creating an eclectic yet harmonious aesthetic.
Next up, the Enamor x Papa Don’t Preach collaboration celebrated modern femininity through bejewelled lingerie that combined bold self-expression with intricate detailing. Papa Don’t Preach’s fearless maximalism met Enamor’s edgy, statement-making pieces to create a dreamy, trousseau-ready collection that was daring, elegant, and unforgettable.
Satya Paul followed with Night Garden, a riot of vibrant prints that captured the label’s signature ethos. Minimal embroidery elevated the drapes, allowing the bold patterns to shine while adding subtle sophistication.
The day concluded with Abraham & Thakore’s Wrap & Weft, a collection that reimagined the traditional lungi and dhoti for the modern wearer, creating a new narrative of power dressing. The design duo paid homage to Indian heritage with a gender-fluid interpretation, while checks, stripes, and Ikat patterns dominated the runway, while also punctuating their signature monochrome base.
Day 3
Arjan Dugal’s runway presentation brought forth a distinctive charm to Day 3, featuring reinterpretations of timeless silhouettes that are as wearable as they are aspirational. The collection struck a perfect balance of power, poise, and precision, giving classic forms a subtle yet striking modern twist.
The day took a refreshing turn with Siddhartha Bansal’s Paradise City collection, a dreamy exploration of fluid fabrics that evoke the delicate beauty of a frozen flower. Sorbet pastels and candy-bright hues intertwined throughout the lineup, creating a romantic, whimsical aesthetic that perfectly captured the label’s signature ethereal charm.
Day 4
Day 4 brought distinctive creative visions to life. It kicked off with Essé showcasing their collection, Threads In Motion, which spotlighted a beautiful symmetry of form and function. The label showcased an amalgamation of traditional Indian crafts with knitted details that beautifully highlight the interplay of softness and form.
Kritika Murarka’s collection drew inspiration from the intricate Mata Ortiz Pottery. Translating its geometric motifs, fluid bird figures and earthy patterns into textiles. The convergence of bold stripes, checks, and hand-drawn prints beautifully narrates stories of tradition transformed into wearable art.
Richa Khemka’s collection Vantage draws inspiration from the layered poetry of nature and shifting landscapes – fluid yet grounded, fleeting yet eternal. The collection thrives on contrast: plush velvets entwine with airy organza, while metallic shimmer meets tinted tones. Each look reveals a sculptural precision and nuanced textural interplay, embodying a harmonious duality of boldness and grace.
Mahima Mahajan’s collection, Fanah, is derived from a Sufi word that means the dissolution of the self in love or the divine. The ensembles were punctuated with Mahima’s signature floral prints, delicate embroideries reminiscent of intricate handwork, cutdana sequins, mirror accents, glass beads, and custom acrylic details, lending her assemblage an ethereal yet flowy finesse.
A crescendo of lights marked Tabu’s entrance for ITRH’s Noor. The runway came alive with a stunning parade of Banarasi brocades, tissue sarees, fishtail skirts paired with corsets, lehengas, and anarkalis, all shimmering with intricate sheesh, pushida jaal, gotta patti, dabka, zardozi, and patta patti work. The show captured the essence of a grand wedding celebration – the sparkle of shringar, the sacred glow of the agni, the exchanged vows, and the quiet poignancy of Kanyadaan – culminating in a luminous spectacle.
Day 5
Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI concluded with Tarun Tahiliani’s radiant showcase, Bejewelled – a collection inspired by the brilliance within. Aneet Padda graced the runway in a Tarun Tahiliani ensemble that beautifully blended traditional Indian drapes with contemporary couture. The show sparkled with metallic accents, Swarovski crystals, and fluid, statement silhouettes.