India’s emerging fashion landscape continues to evolve with platforms that champion fresh creative voices. One such initiative, NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’, has once again brought forward a promising designer, with Anurag Gupta announced as the winner of its eleventh edition. As part of the recognition, Gupta will present his collection at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI during the March 2026 season.
Conceptualised as a platform to nurture and spotlight emerging talent, NEXA’s flagship program has steadily built a reputation for introducing some of the most exciting new designers in the country. Through runway opportunities and industry mentorship, the initiative offers a vital launchpad for young labels looking to establish themselves in India’s competitive fashion landscape.
The theme for this edition, ‘Neoterra’, explored the concept of a “new earth”—a future where technology, sustainability, and design innovation coexist in harmony with nature. Designers were invited to interpret how fashion could evolve responsibly by embracing next-generation materials, environmentally conscious processes, and forward-thinking craftsmanship. The resulting presentations reflected a blend of scientific innovation, sustainability, and narrative-driven design.
Gupta emerged as the winner from a competitive line-up of six shortlisted designers, which included AKHL by Akhil Nagpal, Anjum Khan, FARAK by Rishabh Kumar, Stoïque, and Line Outline by Deepit Chugh. Each participant presented their creative vision aligned with the program’s ethos of “Create. Inspire.”
As part of the recognition, Gupta will receive financial support from NEXA towards the set design for his upcoming runway presentation at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI.
The winning collection by Anurag Gupta draws inspiration from the dynamic visual storytelling of Utagawa Kuniyoshi, known for his dramatic depictions of nature and movement. Gupta reinterprets these influences through a futuristic design language that merges art, technology, and sustainable innovation.
Central to the collection is a pioneering cotton-hemp textile developed in collaboration with researchers at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. Created using plasma technology, the fabric positions hemp as a sustainable alternative to conventional cotton—requiring significantly less water and no pesticides. The textile is crafted through engineered jacquard knitting, supporting both sustainable material innovation and the livelihoods of hemp farmers.
The final decision was made by a distinguished jury panel comprising Thomas Cheriyan, Sunil Sethi, designer Rimzim Dadu, Aindrila Mitra, and Jaspreet Chandok.
Commenting on the initiative, Partho Banerjee highlighted the importance of encouraging innovation in fashion. He noted that the theme ‘Neoterra’ challenged designers to rethink the relationship between technology and nature, adding that Gupta’s work stood out for its thoughtful integration of advanced textile research with sustainable design practices.
Echoing this sentiment, Sunil Sethi emphasised that the continued collaboration between FDCI and NEXA reflects a shared commitment to supporting new voices in Indian fashion. According to him, this season’s designers demonstrated a strong awareness of the future of fashion, with Gupta’s blend of ecological responsibility and textile innovation resonating particularly strongly with the jury.
Meanwhile, Jaspreet Chandok of Reliance Brands described the platform as a significant launchpad for emerging designers. He noted that each edition of The Spotlight reveals talents who push creative boundaries, and Gupta’s victory represents a compelling narrative of progress and purpose within the industry.
With his upcoming showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, Anurag Gupta now joins a growing list of designers who have leveraged NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’ as a stepping stone toward wider recognition in India’s fashion ecosystem. His collection promises to bring a fresh perspective to the runway—one where sustainability, technology, and storytelling converge to shape the future of fashion.
