The hottest moments from Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI 2024
We shine the spotlight on designers that set the tone for the upcoming fashion season.
One of the most awaited fashion events in India, Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI 2024, is underway at the Jio World Convention Center. Twice a year, Indian designers take the stage to exhibit their latest collections at the fashion week. Celebrities, influencers, and fashion enthusiasts gather to participate in conversations surrounding upcoming style trends. There is method to this madness, and if you're looking to catch up on the latest trends from fashion week, you've come to the right place.
Here’s round-up of the highlights of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI this season.
Day 1
Rajesh Pratap Singh
The closing spectacle of the first day of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI was a Polo match! Yes, you heard it right. Rajesh Pratap Singh and La Martina collaborated to pay tribute to the sport and Jaipur’s polo legacy. This reflected in Singh's collection, too. The outfits melded heritage with innovation—think flat knits, chevron intarsia variations, zardozi badges, hand-block printing, as well as embroidery inspired by the architecture of Jaipur. What we loved the most was the miniature digital art inspired by the sport, featuring players on horses.
Day 2
Yavi
Day 2 of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI started with Yavi by Yadvi Agarwal exhibiting a collection titled, ‘Recondite Freedom’, where fashion met art. On display were belted robes, slouchy tiered maxis, unstructured coats, cropped jackets, bundies, oversized jackets, crinkled creations, co-ord sets, shirts and swing jackets, you name it. Fabrics like cotton, linen, and silk in hues of turquoise, ivory, and blue, created an aura of carefree elegance. We had our eyes on their statement hand-embroidered jackets, which would make for the perfect picks to elevate an outfit for an evening out.
Gaurang
Gaurang Shah exhibited his collected, ‘Gulal’ featuring an assortment of saris and lehengas, inspired by the vibrancy of the spring season. He used traditional embroidery techniques like mochi, parsi gara, petite point, kasuti, phulkari, Kutchi, and Kashmiri in his collection. We loved the vivid pinks that dominated the ramp.
Tea Culture of the World x Chola
The 'Let's Play' collection by Chola the Label had the most striking colour palette, featuring classic monochromes and lively shades like Matcha and mustard. Handwoven tribal fabrics and denim patchwork infused depth and youthfulness in fabrics like organic cotton and linen. Versatile silhouettes, from fluid drapes to structured jackets, were playful and experimentative. The beauty of this collection was in the details with exaggerated sleeves, back doris, accentuated collars, and geometric prints.
Akaaro
Akaaro by designer Gaurav Jai Gupta presented a unique collection titled, ‘Moonrise’, brimming with innovation as he used the waste yarns saved at their studio to craft this gorgeous, conscious collection. The silhouettes matched the vibe of the idea behind this collection, featuring drapes over pants, drop-waist hoodie-style overalls, and more.
JJV. Kapurthala
JJV.Kapurthala by JJ Valaya draws inspiration from Maharaja Jagatjit Singh of Kapurthala's travel tales, and offers a luxury collection for the discerning traveller. This season, the label partnered with R|Elan™ to craft textiles from recycled PET bottles, embodying sustainability and style in one fell swoop. We saw glimpses of JJV’s signature chevron print in the collection while corset-style blouses, belted saris, and lehengas stood out.
Day 3
Aikeyah
Day 3 of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI kicked off with Kalki Koechlin strutting down the ramp as a showstopper for Aikeyah. The brand's collection 'For Dreamer' is described as a compilation of ideas that often go overlooked. It features hand embroidery, sheer layers and intricate craftsmanship.
Valliyan
Inspired by Society 5.0, which marks a shift in our society and economy towards a new reality, Valliyan's whimsical and futuristic collection teleports us to a world where people, robots and machines all work hand-in-hand to bridge economic development and resolve societal and environmental problems.
Itrh
With Sushant Divgikr aka Rani Kohenur as their showstopper, Itrh's latest collection—Ankh- amalgamates ancient Egypt and Indian allure. Each piece that walked down the runway embodies the mystique of the Nile and iconic Egyptian figures like Nefertiti and Cleopatra blended with opulence and intrigue. From structured jackets to flowing skirts, this collection aims to enhance the wearer's natural beauty with symmetry.
Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini
Lakmē Salon x Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini presented Elemental Symphony—a collection that celebrates individuality and is inspired by the essence of being unapologetically you. From the delicate textures of petals to the allure of exotic blooms, every design is made to instill a sense of self-assurance in its wearer. The highlight of this show was Saba Azad's performance as models walked down the ramp. The muse for this show was actor Medha Shankar who walked in a grey corsetted gown.
Skechers
Kriti Sanon walked down the runway for Skechers wearing a collection that embodies a fusion of retro-futuristic imagery, art and lo-fi aesthetics. It is a commentary on our rapid advancement of technology and consumer culture. It's edgy yet functional, the ideal combination.
AK | OK by Anamika Khanna
With Shanya Kapoor turning showstopper, the AK-OK collection by Anamika Khanna is inspired by the adventures of a travelling biker of Orissa's Bonda Tribe. While AK-OK's collections are always rooted in India's vibrant culture, it is taken one step further by using Bonda colours, motifs and embroideries to create ensembles for a night out in the city. From jackets and slouchy pats to kaftans, this collection reimagines wardrobe staples and turns them into statement pieces.
Rajdeep Ranawat
Divya Khossla graced the runway as showstopper for Rajdeep Ranawat as the designer showcased his Nizam collection. She was seen wearing a glittering gold and dark blue lehenga that epitomized elegance and grace.
Day 4
Varun Chakkilam
Varun Chakkilam's collection 'Lenora' celebrates the beauty of light. With Sara Ali Khan strutting down the runway as its muse, this collection offers a contemporary twist on classic silhouettes with a floral touch and luxurious fabrics.
Anushree Reddy
Anushree Reddy's Gulab-Bari collection draws inspiration from the resplendent tapestry of cultures and histories. With Malaika Arora as her muse, Reddy's collection featured an ethereal beauty that pays homage to the allure of the Princess of Nizam.
Ritika Mirchandani
With Rakul Preet Singh as showstopper, Ritika Mirchandani's collection—transcendence aims to capture life's essence in its raw and complex form. It infuses modern silhouettes with the rich heritage of embroidery, adding some depth and dimension of the garments.
Saaksha Kinni
Saksha Kinni debuted their swimwear and resort wear line at the Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI. This collection celebrates life outdoors. It's about no noise, no pressure, just uninterrupted leisure. The colours in the collection are an homage to—ocean blues, sunset yellows, grassy greens, and earthy rusts.
Gauri & Nainika
With Taapsee Pannu as their muse, the Gauri & Nainika Fall Winter 2024 collection featured vivid colours, bold floral prints, oversized peony blooms, and intricate rose creeper patterns in a palette of deep pink, rich yellow, and soft pink. Classic hues such as red, ivory, and black, beloved by the brand, also made an appearance on the runway.
Shantnu & Nikhil
Shantnu & Nikhil closed day 4 of Lakme Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI with a presentation of their latest SS24 collection—You. Tripti Dimri turned showstopper for this collection that featured androgynous looks with avant-garde layering, leather accents and contemporary silhouettes.
Day 5
Ranna Gill
On Day 5 of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI, Ranna Gill transported us into the realise of Urban Prairie. This collection is a blend of city chic and natural charm. But the highlight of this show was its showstopper—Madhuri Dixit Nene. Watching her gracefully strut down the runway in an embroidered pantsuit was a moment to remember.
Kalki
With Janhvi Kapoor and Aditya Roy Kapoor as showstoppers, Kalki's collection Inara is all about timeless elegance. Each outfit is meticulously crafted with 3D geometric and floral motifs that create a symphony of texture and movement.
Rahul Mishra
Renowned couturier Rahul Mishra presented at the grand finale of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI with Ananya Panday as his showstopper. His collection was inspired by Mishra's constant muse—nature. Envisioned in bright solid hues, and graphic textures, a lot of the visuals are partially influenced by the children's story 'The Fox and the Star' whose characters appear in this collection amongst other imagined structures.