Lakme Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), recently concluded with a spectacular and emotionally charged finale. Designer Rohit Bal’s grand show, a retrospective of his iconic motifs, proved to be a poignant moment, celebrating his enduring contribution to Indian fashion. The event, held at the historic Imperial hotel in New Delhi, showcased not only Bal’s timeless creations but also highlighted the emerging talents shaping the future of Indian fashion under the Lakme Fashion Week umbrella.
The finale was particularly moving, with tears flowing freely as the fashion fraternity watched a frail Rohit Bal being escorted onto the ramp. His collection, a breathtaking display of layered, flowing outfits adorned with his signature roses, resonated deeply with the audience. This Lakme Fashion Week finale was more than just a show; it was a heartfelt tribute to a designer who has been an inspiration for decades.
The emotional atmosphere was palpable, as described by a fellow designer: “It was nostalgia, love, wonder and an appreciation for the way Gudda has stood by the fashion fraternity for so many years.” Rohit Bal, fondly known as Gudda, received a standing ovation and shared heartfelt moments with celebrity showstopper Ananya Panday, the face of Lakme, further emphasizing the close relationship between Lakme Fashion Week and the Indian fashion industry. His collection, “Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe,” was a testament to his enduring creativity and vision.
Lakme Fashion Week has long been recognized as a platform that not only celebrates established designers but also nurtures and promotes new talent. This season was no exception, with several emerging designers making a significant impact.
Aneeth Arora of Péro: Celebrating Playfulness and Textile Innovation at Lakme Fashion Week
Péro, led by designer Aneeth Arora, opened Lakme Fashion Week with a vibrant and playful collection in collaboration with Sanrio’s Hello Kitty. This unique offsite show marked Hello Kitty’s 50th birthday and showcased Péro’s signature blend of quirky designs and textile expertise.
Arora described Péro’s philosophy: “Péro always had a little bit of nostalgia and playfulness in everything we do because we know we had to do justice to it. The perception about Hello Kitty is it’s about kids, we made women’s and menswear; I feel we all have the child within us looking for an element of fun.” This Lakme Fashion Week opening show perfectly captured the spirit of joy and innovation that defines the event.
Péro’s commitment to handcrafted and innovative textiles was also highlighted. Arora emphasized the brand’s journey of refining traditional Indian fabrics like wool, making them suitable for a global luxury market. This dedication to craftsmanship and sustainability is increasingly important in the fashion world, and Lakme Fashion Week provides a stage for designers like Péro to showcase their vision.
Ritwik Khanna of Rkive City: Championing Circular Design at Lakme Fashion Week
Ritwik Khanna’s label, Rkive City, won the prestigious Circular Design Challenge at Lakme Fashion Week, underscoring the event’s commitment to sustainable fashion practices. The Circular Design Challenge, a key initiative at Lakme Fashion Week, recognizes designers who are innovating in areas of sustainability and circularity.
Khanna’s brand focuses on addressing textile waste through innovative design and collaboration with social impact initiatives. “We are addressing a big problem of textile waste, treating textile waste, to collaborate with social impact pieces; none of the things we did was for the competition,” Khanna explained. Lakme Fashion Week’s emphasis on circularity reflects the growing global awareness of environmental responsibility within the fashion industry.
Rkive City’s win at Lakme Fashion Week highlights the increasing importance of sustainable and ethical practices in fashion. By providing a platform for designers like Khanna, Lakme Fashion Week is actively promoting a more responsible and environmentally conscious fashion future.
Ankur Verma of Til: Expressive Storytelling Through Fashion at Lakme Fashion Week
Ankur Verma of Til won “The Spotlight” award by Nexa at Lakme Fashion Week, recognized for his innovative and textured designs that transform fashion into a medium for expressive storytelling. Verma’s background in theatre and art, combined with his experience with fashion maestro Sabyasachi, has shaped his unique and whimsical aesthetic.
Verma described his collection: “I was exploring layering, textures, patterns and colors, unveiling the mirages with masks and how they create layers of emotion.” His collection at Lakme Fashion Week stood out for its depth and artistic expression, showcasing the power of fashion to communicate complex ideas and emotions.
Lakme Fashion Week continues to be a vital platform for Indian designers, both established and emerging. This season’s event, with its emotional finale and focus on innovation and sustainability, reaffirmed its position as a leading force in the global fashion landscape, driving conversations and showcasing the best of Indian creativity to the world, all under the banner of Lakme Fashion.
