As the FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week marks its 25th year, the runway once again turns into a playground for bold ideas, craftsmanship, and fashion that pushes boundaries. A mix of heritage and fresh energy, it’s the space where India’s biggest designers and rising stars shake things up. This milestone edition is all about blending the old with the new, proving that tradition and innovation can go hand in hand—and make a serious statement while doing it.
Day OneAK|OK opens with Silver Collar
Kicking off the fashion extravaganza, Anamika Khanna reaffirmed her status as one of the industry’s most visionary designers. Her latest AK|OK collection, Silver Collar, redefines power dressing by breaking away from the rigidity of traditional workwear and infusing it with fluidity, ease, and a rebellious edge.
The collection played with contrasts—sharp tailoring softened by draped silhouettes, corporate structures meeting tribal influences, and unexpected elements like chainmail adding a touch of bold glamour. A striking feature throughout was the use of oxidised silver tones—muted yet powerful, lending an almost armour-like effect to the ensembles. The metallic hues felt less about opulence and more about quiet strength, embodying the collection’s theme of redefining power dressing.
Day TwoGen Next Lakmē Fashion Week’s Gen Next programme has been a launchpad for some of India’s biggest fashion names—Rahul Mishra, Masaba Gupta, Dhruv Kapoor, and Pero by Aneeth Arora, to name a few. Now in its 25th year, the legacy continues as a fresh set of designers takes the reins. Enter Abhishek Shinde (Abhichiq), Somya Lochan (Quarter), and Yash Patil (That Antiquepiece), each bringing their own unique vision to the runway.
Abhishek Shinde sets the tone at Abhichiq with a breezy summer collection—airy fabrics, sun-drenched hues, and silhouettes that feel like a love letter to effortless dressing. It’s easy, wearable, yet undeniably chic.
Somya Lochan, on the other hand, finds her muse in the past. Her collection for Quarter reinvents traditional craftsmanship through a modern lens—think classic textiles reimagined in contemporary cuts, a perfect harmony of nostalgia and now.
And then there’s Yash Patil, who delivers a masterclass in contrast with That Antique Piece. Medieval inspirations meet modern execution—structured corsets softened by intricate detailing and rich textures balanced by restrained colour palettes. His designs feel like artefacts from another time, yet perfectly at home in today’s world.
Eka
If Gen Next was all about pushing boundaries, Eka brought it back to basics—pure, unfiltered comfort. Their collection was a study in movement and an ode to summer—cotton fabrics that breathe, silhouettes that flow, and a charm that makes every piece feel like a second skin. It was a reminder that sometimes, the simplest designs are the most powerful.
Day Three
Namrata Joshipura
Namrata Joshipura showcased cutting-edge athleisure like never before, blending bold, unique designs with innovation and sustainability. Each look was a statement—bold, unique, and totally over-the-top—while effortlessly combining high fashion with the ease of athleisure. To top it off, the collection featured an eco-friendly fabric, R|Elan GreenGold, which is made from 100% recycled PET bottles. And with the stunning Malaika Arora stealing the show in a glittering bodysuit, this was definitely a show to remember.
Nothing X Amit Aggarwal
This collaboration brought together fashion and tech in the most exciting way. Amit Aggarwal’s collection in collaboration with Nothing added a futuristic twist to ready-to-wear fashion. Known for his signature sharp tailoring, Aggarwal played with shapes and textures, incorporating unexpected drapes, cropped jackets, asymmetric hemlines, and easy co-ords. To top it all off, Bhumi Pednekar closed the show, looking absolutely stunning in a crisp brocade corset paired with baggy pants. The collection effortlessly balanced comfort with futuristic style.
Falguni Shane Peacock
The Falguni Shane Peacock showcase was an extravagant collection that exuded glitz and glamour from beginning to end. This collection played with bold contrasts, intricate embroidery, metallic touches, and more. From cropped jackets and power-shoulder minis to figure-hugging bodysuits, it was all about making a statement. Tamannaah Bhatia kicked off the show in a stunning bejewelled corset and black pants, while Karan Johar wrapped up the show in a chic black ensemble, bringing a perfect blend of couture and contemporary style to the runway.
Day Four
OTT by Tarun Tahiliani
OTT by Tarun Tahiliani was a beautiful collection that focused on fluidity, versatility, craftsmanship, and contemporary designs. The show opened with draped silhouettes and layered separates, showcasing how easy it is to mix and match. The fusion of Indian and western styles resulted in a soft, sensual vibe. Hand-embroidered chikankari and revived Rabari craft in the designs put a modern twist on tradition. With neutral hues accented by soft summer tones, the collection felt both wearable and effortlessly versatile.
Saaksha & Kinni
A playful collection bursting with colours, prints, and bold accessories, Saaksha & Kinni’s showcase was a celebration on the runway. The collection featured lightweight jackets, flowy kaftans, summer shorts and dresses, vibrant swimwear, and so much more. Ishaan Khatter closed the show in a bold and bright orange co-ord set, perfectly matching the vibe of this collection. The show was a refreshing take on holiday fashion.
Shivan & Narresh
Shivan & Narresh’s showcase was a vibrant, artful explosion of abstract prints, bold colours, and truly statement-making pieces. Inspired by French artist Fernand Léger, the collection seamlessly blended menswear and womenswear, offering quirky yet sophisticated silhouettes perfect for resort wear. From swim trunks to hand-knitted summer essentials, every design was a masterpiece.
Shantanu and Nikhil
Shantanu and Nikhil’s showcase was a fusion of heritage and contemporary design. The collection featured exquisite tailored fits with sophisticated prints and embroidery work that made for elevated evening wear with a contemporary twist. The showstopper was none other than Ibrahim Khan, who looked dapper in a blush-toned tailored suit.
Rahul Mishra
Inspired by the works of French painter Henri Rousseau, Rahul Mishra’s LFW showcase was a dreamlike experience. The collection brought Rousseau’s artworks to life through wearable fashion with a glamorous flair. The designs showcased exceptional craftsmanship and creativity, featuring gorgeous textures, intricate detailing, and rich hues that exuded a sense of opulence and whimsy. The stunning Janhvi Kapoor delivered a showstopping appearance in a textured black evening gown, surrounded by flashing lights.
Lead image: AK|OK
