Bringing together the sartorial essence of iconic cities such as New York, London, Milan, and Paris, the grandeur of the fashion parade has finally graced India's fashion landscape, marking the debut of Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI 2023. Over the span of five exciting days, the extravaganza commenced at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi, promising a captivating display of India's leading designers as they unveil their meticulously crafted collections. Anticipation runs high as attendees eagerly await a showcase of inventive designs, emerging trends, and a plethora of fashion-forward delights.
Adah Sharma radiated grace as she closed Sanjukta Dutta's 'SAPOON' collection in a resplendent pleated yellow saree. Then, cricket legend Harbhajan Singh, known for his swag on the pitch, made a charismatic appearance as the showstopper for Pawan Sachdeva's Infinity collection. His dapper ensemble featured a black sweatshirt, a long coat, a black turban, and formal shoes, and his animated walk delighted the crowd.
The pinnacle of the evening arrived with New York-based Indian designer Bibhu Mohapatra's 'Come Home' collection, in collaboration with Lakme. This collection paid homage to iconic muses, encompassing both timeless and contemporary beauty. Ananya Panday, Lisa Haydon, Bipasha Basu, Vipasha Agarwal, Simone Singh, Carol Gracias, and Shimona Nath took the stage as muses. Bipasha Basu, marking her runway return since giving birth last year, set hearts racing in a red gown with heart-shaped broaches and a flowing cape.
Lisa Haydon exuded glamour in her pastel gown with satin accents, while Ananya Panday sported a chic ensemble – a satin top, shorts, and a three-quarter-sleeved floral blazer – showcasing her unique style. The Fashion Week's grand finale truly celebrated the blend of classic and contemporary fashion.
Throughout the day, various brands and designers unveiled their wedding collections, including Tasva, Anju Modi, Bhumika Sharma, Mahima Mahajan, and Vvani by Vani Vats. However, the pinnacle of the day was undoubtedly the Péro show.
The Péro show was a true celebration of creativity, with Aneeth Arora masterfully blending technical expertise and imagination. The collection featured a captivating interplay of patterns and a rich palette of colours, creating a striking fashion statement. The lineup included an array of jackets, skirts, shirts, co-ord sets, and pants in vibrant hues and deep tones, complemented by psychedelic floral motifs and stripes. The collection truly came to life with intricate details like floral motifs, medallions, and geometric forms rendered in three dimensions through crochet, laser-cut fabrics, beadwork, stumpwork, patchwork, appliqué, and cutwork.
Janhvi Kapoor exuded diva vibes with her kohl-rimmed eyes and lustrous waves. She captivated the audience in a stunning black bustier and a body-hugging skirt, making a striking presence on the runway.
Athiya Shetty looked equally captivating in a black bustier paired elegantly with a nude skirt, metallic footwear, and golden earrings that added a touch of glamour to her ensemble.
Disha Patani mesmerized onlookers in an ethereal pastel blouse and lehenga set adorned with intricate floral embroidery, radiating an air of grace and charm.
Amit Aggarwal's collection was a harmonious blend of deep blue, red, black, and grey, featuring a wide range of patterns, from loose shirts and off-shoulder dresses to striking jackets, offering a diverse style palette.
Shivan & Narresh drew inspiration from their recent visit to Finland for their Suomi Series collection, creating an innovative and distinctive line of fashion. Meanwhile, Kalki showcased her debut collection 'Zayra' at the Lakmé Fashion Week, featuring graceful gowns and elegant sarees.
The 'Raga by Titan' collection by designer duo Pankaj & Nidhi showcased their signature monochromatic style, boasting intricate details like appliqués, lattice-work, trapunto quilting, pixelated florals, and pearl-esque cord work. Their creations included tailored jackets and high-collared dress shirts in classic black and ivory.
Gauri and Nainika presented their Spring Summer 2024 collection, featuring models adorned in delightful floral ensembles and complemented with Caprese handbags from their new collection. Notably, the showstopper lineup featured Indian squash players, adding a unique and special touch to the event, with names like Joshna Chinappa, Tanvi Khanna, Anahat Singh, Dipika Pallikal, and Abhay Singh gracing the stage.
In contrast, Abraham & Thakore presented 'Body Language,' a collection that celebrated the timeless elegance of black and white, with typography at its core. Blurring the lines between casual and formal wear, the collection was an exploration of fabrics like ikat, ajrakh, and brocades, complemented by quintessential Indian craftsmanship such as badla, sequin work, and intricate laser-cut designs.
Another notable designer, Amita Gupta Gupta, showcased a sustainable collection named 'The Age of Urban Reforestation.' Inspired by the harmonious relationship between nature and humanity, the collection artfully incorporated organic textures, earthy hues, and fluid silhouettes, reflecting the bond between the two.
Swatti Kapoor's 'Sahaara' collection was as vibrant as ever, drawing inspiration from the world's largest desert. With its intricate layering of texture and motifs, the collection beautifully depicted the arid yet captivating landscapes.
Ka-Sha's 'Milan/मिलन' collection found inspiration in the free-flowing roots of trees, man-made bridges, and their geometry. This translated into patterns through appliqués and hand embroidery, creating a unique and artistic fusion. Finally, Verandah's 'Anjuna' collection combined the earthy tones of brick and coral with refreshing shades of green and blue, showcasing hand-painted prints that vividly captured the architectural beauty of Goa.
Saba Azad and Imaad Shah, the dynamic duo of the electro-funk band Madboy/Mink, added a musical touch to the show with an electric jazz performance on the runway.
Jim Sarbh elevated the style quotient as he took the spotlight for Samant Chauhan's 'Ice Watch' collection, inspired by glaciers. Jim donned a cream-colored shirt, matching pants, and a textured jacket adorned with floral patchwork at the back.
Hina Khan graced the stage as the showstopper for INIFD students, donning a chic co-ord set consisting of a cream-coloured cropped blazer with long sleeves and a wrap-over pink skirt with a front slit.
The event also featured leading Indian designers, including Varun Bahl, who unveiled his sustainable festive collection, 'Inner Bloom,' inspired by nature and brought to life through intricate 3-dimensional embroideries on eco-friendly R-Elan fabrics.
The evening's grand applause resonated with Tarun Tahiliani, whose collaboration with Kohler celebrated 'A Celebration of Self-Expression' by blending modern forms with traditional craftsmanship.
Designer Ashish Soni's collection drew inspiration from the 70's Retro Vibe, featuring bold colours, striking patterns, and a focus on plaid as the primary fabric.
Karisma Kapoor's ensemble was a striking gold and black pantsuit crafted from gotta and silk, complemented by a half-blue, half-gold overcoat. Her look was elevated with a sleek half ponytail and smouldering smokey eye makeup.
In contrast, Saba Azad showcased an alluring all-gold gotta and silk pant-top set, exuding elegance and charm. Meanwhile, Kalki Koechlin's appearance redefined the traditional sari, presenting a refreshing and contemporary take on this classic garment. The collection left an indelible mark, marking a memorable beginning to the Lakmé Fashion Week.
