A year of creativity, celebration and heartfelt goodbyes, 2024 showcased Indian fashion's evolving soul and the stories it tells, writes SAKSHI PRIYA

Fashion is the art of self-expression, a canvas where creativity meets elegance, a place where every stitch tells a story and every design carries a vision. As we bid farewell to 2024, this year has truly proven to be a defining moment in the world of fashion. From the grand showcases at Indian Couture Week to the dazzling displays at Lakmé Fashion Week, Delhi has been the stage for timeless elegance and bold creativity. Designers like Rahul Mishra, Gaurav Gupta and Ravi Bajaj have brought their unique touch to Indian fashion, seamlessly blending tradition with modern innovation. The year culminated in Rohit Bal’s emotional final show, marking the end of a legendary era. As we look forward to the exciting promises of 2025, we wish our readers a year ahead filled with inspiration, style, and unforgettable moments in the ever-evolving world of fashion.

INDIAN COUTURE WEEK

In July, Fashion in 2024, showcased at Indian Couture Week, celebrated Indian craftsmanship with bold innovation. Designers like Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla infused traditional embroidery with modern silhouettes, while Amit Aggarwal’s ANTE VORTA featured futuristic metallics. ASAL’s MARD redefined menswear with gender-fluid designs and Falguni Shane Peacock’s Rang Mahal exudes opulence. Jayanti Reddy highlighted understated elegance, Gaurav Gupta stunned with sculptural draping and Rahul Mishra merged nature-inspired motifs with intricate embroidery. JJ Valaya added royal grandeur, while Dolly J showcased ethereal designs, alongside many others who enriched the event. The year embraced sustainability, inclusivity and modern aesthetics, marking a milestone in Indian couture.

Quetzalli by SUNEET VERMA

Suneet Verma’s Quetzalli collection fues Mexican craftsmanship with Indian Couture, celebrating heritage and artistry. Varma’s Quetzalli collection, in collaboration with PATRÓN Tequila, brought together the best of Mexican craftsmanship and Indian couture. The show was a visual feast, with gowns adorned in intricate lacework, metallic motifs and dramatic feather details. The collection, which blended traditional techniques with modern sensibilities, captivated the audience from start to finish. A fitting grand finale left a lasting impression, showcasing  Varma's genius in weaving cultural stories through couture.

LAKME FASHION WEEK

In October 2024, the fashion world was treated to an unforgettable display of Indian craftsmanship and innovation. Péro by Aneeth Arora opened the season with its enchanting “HELLO péro” collection, which creatively blended nostalgia and modernity. Kalki’s “Mushk” collection wowed with its intricate handwoven embroidery, while Monisha Jaising’s luxurious designs made a bold statement. Payal Pratap’s work elegantly fused traditional techniques with contemporary silhouettes. Samant Chauhan’s showcase stood out with his unique handloom weaves and rich textures. The grand finale, presented by Rohit Bal, unveiled his breathtaking “Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe,” where intricate embroidery and flowing fabrics celebrated nature’s beauty, leaving a lasting impact with Lakmé muse Ananya Panday as the showstopper.

Aurum by RAVI BAJAJ

Ravi Bajaj's new label, 'Aurum,' made its debut with a stunning fashion show that beautifully combined traditional Indian elements with a modern twist. The collection, focused on wedding wear, featured intricate designs in lace, organza and pearls, with men’s kurtas and womenswear lehengas showcasing timeless elegance. The collection's gold and white colour scheme symbolised prosperity, offering a fresh take on bridal attire. As 2024 ends and the wedding season approaches, ‘Aurum’ stands out, redefining modern wedding wear with grace and sophistication.

Mishru by SWAPNA ANUMOLU

October in Delhi brought a wave of creativity and couture to the city, with Resonance 2024/25 by Mishru taking centre stage at the Embassy of Belgium. The artistry of Swapna Anumolu, whose latest collection beautifully fused nature with urban aesthetics. Each piece told a story, blending intricate craftsmanship and vibrant textures. The highlight of the evening was Bollywood's Shraddha Kapoor, who graced the runway as the showstopper, effortlessly bringing the collection to life. Mishru’s stunning fusion of traditional techniques with modern designs marks a new chapter for Indian fashion, embracing both heritage and future innovation.

A Farewell to a Fashion Icon

As 2024 unfolds, it has been a year of both celebration and sorrow in the fashion world. We witnessed monumental achievements in design and innovation, but also faced the heart-wrenching loss of Rohit Bal, affectionately known as "Gudda." His final show at Lakmé Fashion Week, titled ‘Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe’, was a moving tribute to his creative spirit, celebrating the beauty of nature and cosmic wonder. Actress Ananya Panday, the showstopper, embodied Bal’s timeless, graceful vision, while each piece showcased his devotion to beauty, detail and imagination. His legacy will endure.

The Man in the Mirror by ABHINAV MISHRA

The 2024 couture season brought a stunning celebration of tradition and innovation with Abhinav Mishra’s “The Man in the Mirror.” The collection showcased mirror-work, with pieces like ‘Kalbeliya’ drawing inspiration from Rajasthan’s folk dance, featuring bold colours and intricate patterns. From traditional lehengas to contemporary kaftans, Mishra’s creations blended heritage with modern flair.

BAARAAT by Tasva by TARUN TAHILIANI

Men’s fashion has evolved dramatically, with 2024 marking a defining year in wedding wear. The spotlight shifted to the modern groom, embracing his individuality and heritage. ‘BAARAAT by Tasva,’ a showcase designed by the renowned Tarun Tahiliani. The collection featured exquisite sherwanis and bandhgalas, each a perfect blend of tradition and contemporary flair.  The collection, with intricate detailing and luxurious fabrics, allowed grooms to shine, making a powerful statement about embracing personal style while honoring their roots.