Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI is an eagerly anticipated event in India. This bi-annual extravaganza not only attracts audiences from across the nation but also garners a global following. The event seamlessly blends fashion and digital engagement, making it one of the most-watched platforms in the fashion industry. From October 10 to 15, 2023, the capital city came alive with a splendid showcase of glitz, glamour, and global beauty. Let’s delve into the key highlights of this five-day fashion fiesta.

A Glitzy Opening: ‘Children of the Night’ by Raw Mango

Raw Mango, the brainchild of Sanjay Garg, set the stage on fire with its opening show for Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI. The collection, titled ‘Children of the Night,’ drew inspiration from the enigmatic world that awakens after dark. It was presented at the iconic Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, paying homage to the pioneering spirit of Lakmé. The event witnessed a constellation of stars, including Karisma Kapoor, Kalki Koechlin, and Saba Azad, gracing the runway. The Lakmé Glitterati collection dazzled with its debut looks for Festive 2023, featuring ‘Shimmer Siren,’ ‘Rainbow Burst,’ and ‘Glitter Bomb.’ The show presented a fusion of traditional and contemporary silhouettes, reflecting Sanjay’s unconventional fashion sensibilities, promising timeless heirlooms.

Fostering Fresh Talents

Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI serves as the birthplace of budding fashion brands. The INIFD GenNext show shone the spotlight on No Grey Area, Sonam Khetan, and Triune. INIFD Launchpad introduced five future design talents, while Pearl Academy’s FDCI ‘First Cut’ showcased the works of 32 designers. The NEXA Spotlight event celebrated Sushant Abrol’s ‘Countrymade’ label.

Past Meets Present: The Grand Finale

The grand finale of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI was a unique spectacle. Set against the magnificent Fountain in Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, the show featured moving vocals as models glided down the runway. The House of Lakmé showcased the exquisite creations of New York-based designer Bibhu Mohapatra, who presented his collection ‘Come Home.’ This show marked a memorable moment in the Indian fashion scene, as it brought together past and present Lakmé faces alongside the current brand ambassador, Ananya Panday.

Sustainable Fashion Takes Center Stage

This season, the R|Elan™ presents Circular Design Challenge in partnership with the United Nations in India went global. Indian label Anish Malpani’s sunglasses and Italian Filipe Fiallo’s footwear, made from waste materials, were standout winners. ‘Biparita’ label showcased accessories crafted from banana crop waste, while Studio Medium’s creations incorporated silk offcuts and discarded yarns. Sri Lanka’s Amesh Wijesekera and Asia Pacific’s Pei-Ven Jin also brought sustainable designs to the forefront. Notably, ethical brand 11.11/eleven eleven introduced reusable water bottles to promote sustainability, and Payal Pratap’s ‘Soft Parade’ collection celebrated the craft of Kutch.

Fashion as Art

The show ‘Fashion Wears Art’ redefined the runway with a unique ‘Canvas to Runway’ concept. This groundbreaking presentation, curated by art aficionado Shalini Passi and mentored by Mr. Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, brought together seven leading artists and designers. Their collaboration was a highly anticipated moment in the global fashion scene. The show featured designers such as JJ Valaya, Namrata Joshipura, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Varun Bahl, HUEMN, Gautam Kalra, and Rajesh Pratap Singh, who merged fashion and art seamlessly.

Men’s Fashion Takes Center Stage

The fashion week also showcased a refreshing take on men’s fashion. NoughtOne focused on sporty biker jackets, Pawan Sachdeva and Son of Noble (SNOB) added their unique spin to men’s attire, and Tasva offered festive wedding looks. Park Avenue presented classic casual western options, while Sushant Abrol’s label ‘Countrymade’ presented ‘No Man’s Land,’ reflecting a soldier’s journey. Designers Abraham & Thakore, Shweta Kapur, and SVA, as well as brand Kalki, displayed men’s styles inspired by their unique perspectives.

Bridal Glamour and Festive Collections

With the upcoming festive and bridal season, the fashion week featured collections from renowned designers such as Mahima Mahajan, Bhumika Sharma, Kalki, Paulmi & Harsh, Tatwamm by Abhishek & Vinita, Label Debelle, Samant Chauhan, Tarun Tahiliani with Kohler, Faabiiana, Vvani, and Geisha Designs, all offering stunning wedding and festive ensembles.

Fashion for Every Occasion

In response to India’s diverse climate, the fashion week also showcased resort, holiday, and streetwear styles. Verandah brought the relaxed Goan vibe, Guapa offered colorful holiday wear, and Falguni Shane Peacock collaborated with TRESemmé to create unique streetwear. Aseem Kapoor, SVA, Swati Vijaivargie, and Birkenstock’s collaboration with Shivan & Narresh brought various holiday wear options. The péro collection, aimed at the Autumn/Winter 2023 season, celebrated craft in a quirky and fun manner.

Beauty and Hair Trends in Focus

TRESemmé made a notable debut with its Style Collective discussion, featuring top hairstylists and celebrity panelists. The Lakmé ‘Glitterati’ collection, unveiled at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex, showcased innovative Western wear by Sanjay Garg. Anju Modi’s traditional bridal line perfectly complemented the looks created by Lakme Salon.

Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2023 was a testament to the fusion of creativity, innovation, and style. It’s an event that celebrates the past, present, and future of fashion while promoting sustainability and diversity in the industry.

The Epitome of Luxury: Luxe Looks

Luxury fashion took center stage at Lakmé Fashion Week. NEXA presented Amit Aggarwal’s debut luxe prêt look, ‘Core,’ while Gauri & Nainika, in collaboration with Caprese, combined handbags with demi couture. R|Elan™ and Varun Bahl transformed the runway into a floral fantasy with ‘Inner Bloom – Festive Edit,’ and Payal Pratap’s perfectly tailored and constructed looks celebrated the beauty of Kutch. Ashish N, Soni’s ‘Retro Orchard,’ took us on a journey back to the future. ‘Not So Serious’ by Pallavi Mohan brought Red Carpet glamour, and Anurag Gupta showcased extreme construction in his designs. Raga by Titan’s collaboration with Pankaj & Nidhi merged watches and stylish Western fashion. Designers Leena Singh, Sanjukta Dutta, Rara Avis, and Shweta Kapur offered stunning evening wear ensembles.

Beauty and Hair Trends Lead the Conversation

TRESemmé made a remarkable debut with its TRESemmé Style Collective discussion, featuring top hairstylists and celebrity panelists. The Lakmé ‘Glitterati’ collection, unveiled at the Indira Gandhi Sports Complex by Sanjay Garg, introduced innovative Western wear. Anju Modi’s traditional bridal line perfectly complemented the looks created by Lakme Salon. Beauty and hair trends were at the forefront of the conversation, reflecting the ever-evolving landscape of style and self-expression.

In conclusion, Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2023 was a grand celebration of fashion, innovation, and artistry. It showcased the creativity and diversity of the Indian fashion industry, from emerging talents to established designers. The event also highlighted the growing importance of sustainability in fashion, with designers and brands focusing on eco-friendly practices and ethical fashion.

With the past and present seamlessly merging on the runway, and a focus on men’s fashion, bridal wear, and luxury looks, the event truly catered to a wide spectrum of fashion enthusiasts. The collaboration between designers and artists in the ‘Fashion Wears Art’ segment further underlined the ever-evolving and boundary-pushing nature of fashion.

Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI continues to be a global platform that not only sets fashion trends but also fosters a sense of community within the industry. It’s a testament to the rich tapestry of Indian fashion and its ability to adapt, innovate, and inspire.

As the fashion world evolves, Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI remains at the forefront, setting the standard for creativity and style. We eagerly anticipate the next edition of this iconic event, where fashion will continue to push boundaries and captivate audiences both near and far.