Lakme Fashion Week closed with a celebration of art, sustainability and timeless elegance, featuring visionary collections from India’s top designers, writes SAKSHI PRIYA
Lakme Fashion Week, presented by the Fashion Design Council of India, celebrated the artistry and innovation of over 20 acclaimed designers this season. With collections that ranged from the whimsical to the sustainable, the event showcased the dynamic evolution of Indian fashion. Esteemed designers such as Rohit Bal, Monisha Jaising and Tarun Tahiliani took centre stage, each unveiling their unique visions. This year's week-long event not only highlighted the richness of contemporary Indian aesthetics but also served as a platform for emerging talent, making it a vibrant tapestry of creativity and elegance.
The festivities kicked off with péro’s enchanting collection, “HELLO péro,” which marked its 15th anniversary in collaboration with Hello Kitty. This joyful presentation blended playful nostalgia with modern design, featuring vibrant textiles inspired by everyday delights like cherries and cupcakes, infused with the spirited essence of Japanese Harajuku street style. The show radiated with richly embroidered garments and a cheerful palette of pinks, reds, and yellows, exemplifying the artistry behind handcrafted textiles and the spirit of modern Indian fashion.
Day 2 showcased the R|Elan Circular Design Challenge during Sustainable Fashion Day, where seven visionary finalists presented their imaginative collections. The air buzzed with excitement as Ritwik Khanna’s Rkive City captured the coveted title, embodying innovation and eco-consciousness. This initiative, in collaboration with the UN in India, underscored the fashion industry’s commitment to sustainability while nurturing emerging talent, setting the stage for a greener, more creative future.
On Day 3, Payal Singhal celebrated 25 years of her illustrious label with the stunning “Tazhib” collection. The show, which opened with the enchanting Shriya Saran, featured a delightful mix of deconstructed Anarkalis, chic corset cholis, and ruffled lehengas crafted from luxurious fabrics like organza and velvet. Drawing inspiration from Mughal artistry, the collection sparkled with intricate embroidery and iridescent embellishments, perfectly marrying traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, making it ideal for the upcoming festive season.
On Day 4, Monisha Jaising unveiled “The Sailing Bride 2.0,” a breathtaking collection for the modern holiday bride. Shalini Passi opened the show in a stunning metallic kaftan that beautifully blended contemporary glamour with heritage detailing. Monisha's designs featured fluid drapes and playful co-ord sets in serene ocean hues, culminating in a show-stopping moment when Riddhima Kapoor dazzled in a Banarasi-inspired gown. This day also highlighted Lakme Salon and designer Samant Chauhan's enchanting "Ethereal Bloom Collection," featuring Bollywood star Dia Mirza as the showstopper. This collection celebrated the modern Indian bride with its vibrant colours and elegant styles, setting new standards for bridal elegance.
Day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week marked a grand closing with the highly anticipated launch of Tarun Tahiliani’s luxury prêt line, OTT. This collection seamlessly fused traditional Indian aesthetics with contemporary design, showcasing a stunning array of reimagined classic garments, from saris to trench coats. Aditi Rao Hydari captured the audience's attention in a corset-style bodysuit paired with a flowing wrap-around skirt, epitomising the essence of India Modern. This collaboration not only set a new standard for luxury but also redefined innovation in the fashion landscape.
On the final day, Shraddha Kapoor took to the runway as the showstopper for KALKI, unveiling their exquisite new collection, Mushk. Rooted in rich heritage, this couture line showcased intricate hand woven embroidery in soft hues like antique gold and dusky pink. With elegant silhouettes that included embroidered jackets and modern lehengas, the collection beautifully merged tradition with contemporary style. Dazzling in a baby pink lehenga made from luxurious brocade velvet, adorned with intricate embellishments, Shraddha expressed her connection to the collection, stating, “Walking for KALKI was amazing! The Mushk collection felt personal and connected me to my roots.” This stunning line not only emphasised sustainable practices but also celebrated the artistry of skilled artisans, serving as a homage to timeless tradition.
The House of Lakme Grand Finale brought the week to a breathtaking close with a spectacular showcase by the illustrious designer Rohit Bal, unveiling his collection Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe. This captivating collection celebrated nature's beauty through flowing fabrics, intricate embroidery, and vibrant hues that mirrored the essence of blooming flowers. Lakme muse Ananya Panday graced the runway as the showstopper, embodying timeless elegance and ethereal grace. Rohit Bal described Kaaynaat as a journey through the wonders of nature, showcasing his artistry and vision.
The grand finale marked a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable season, leaving an indelible impression of creativity, tradition, and elegance in the ever-evolving world of fashion. With its enchanting showcases and pioneering spirit, Lakme Fashion Week reaffirmed its position as a beacon of innovation and artistry in the Indian fashion landscape, inspiring the next generation of designers and fashion enthusiasts alike.
