Delhi is gearing up for a spectacular fashion affair as Lakmé Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), returns from October 9th to 13th, 2024, at The Grand Hotel. Presented by Lakmé, FDCI, and Reliance Brands (RBL), this much-anticipated event promises to deliver an unforgettable experience, showcasing the finest in fashion and beauty through a series of exciting collaborations, trailblazing initiatives, and trendsetting designs.
Since its inception in 1952, the House of Lakmé has consistently shaped India’s beauty landscape, empowering women through fashion both on and off the runway. This legacy of innovation will culminate in a show-stopping Grand Finale featuring the iconic designer Rohit Bal, who will present a collection merging contemporary fashion with deep-rooted Indian traditions.
A Spectacular Opening with péro
Kicking off the week, FDCI and Lakmé Fashion Week will present the celebrated brand péro on October 9th. Founded by Aneeth Arora, this year marks péro’s 15th anniversary, a milestone that will be celebrated with a showcase blending traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern, laid-back style. The opening will set the stage for a week brimming with creativity, innovation, and heritage.
Celebrating Emerging Talent and Craftsmanship
This season, Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI will shine a spotlight on emerging designers, reflecting its commitment to nurturing fresh talent and promoting Indian craftsmanship. The FDCI Stockroom initiative will give attendees direct access to runway collections, fostering an immersive experience where they can engage with designers and discover the essence of “Made in India.”
The Denim Edit: A Highlight of Innovation
The FDCI will collaborate with celebrated designers like 11.11 / ELEVEN ELEVEN, Ashish N Soni, Dhruv Kapoor, KGL, and Countrymade for an innovative showcase titled “The Denim Edit.” This presentation will fuse avant-garde design with India’s rich artisanal heritage, pushing the boundaries of traditional denim wear and craftsmanship.
Sustainability Takes Center Stage
Day 2, designated as Sustainable Fashion Day, will highlight the industry’s ongoing efforts to embrace eco-friendly practices. Designers such as Anurag Gupta, Ek Katha, Kaleekal, Antar-Agni, and Payal Pratap will unveil collections that champion sustainability. Abraham & Thakore will close the day with a transformative upcycled evening wear collection that breathes new life into everyday items, blending nostalgia with contemporary elegance.
The renowned R|Elan™ Circular Design Challenge, in partnership with the United Nations in India, will return for its second global edition, featuring finalists from around the world. This season’s finalists include names from India, Europe, the UK, and Asia-Pacific, with designs rooted in sustainability and circular fashion principles. This initiative has grown into a global platform, fostering innovation and eco-conscious design on a global scale.
New Partnerships and Exciting Showcases
The upcoming season will witness exciting new partnerships and collaborations. Marks & Spencer will present “Big Autumn Energy,” while NEXA will feature Ankur Verma of ‘Til,’ who will showcase a collection inspired by human textures and the exploration of identity. Established designers Tarun Tahiliani, Kalki, and Samant Chauhan will also present collections through partnerships with NEXA and Lakmé Salon.
In addition to well-established names, the platform will also spotlight #NIF Global presents GenNext, which will showcase emerging talents like Padma Saldon (2112 Saldon), Saurabh Maurya (MARGN), Ananya Arora (Ananya – The Label), and Sakshi Vijay Punyani (VJ), further expanding the runway to fresh, diverse perspectives.
The Grand Finale: Rohit Bal’s Return
The House of Lakmé Grand Finale will close the season with the return of fashion visionary Rohit Bal, whose collection promises to merge the roots of Indian fashion with modern aesthetics. Known for his exquisite craftsmanship and opulent designs, Bal’s comeback is highly anticipated and will be a fitting end to a week of extraordinary fashion moments.
Shaping the Future of Fashion
Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President of Lakmé, emphasized the brand’s commitment to innovation, stating, “At the House of Lakmé, we are dedicated to transforming the fashion landscape through groundbreaking trends. This season will redefine style with cutting-edge designs and advanced technologies, offering an exceptional showcase over five spectacular days.”
FDCI Chairman, Sunil Sethi, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the season’s focus on exceptional talent: “Our aim is to create a dynamic platform for both established and emerging designers, showcasing their work to industry professionals while fostering new talent through our discovery initiatives.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President at Reliance Brands, added, “This season’s line-up is designed to inspire and captivate, featuring a diverse array of visionary designers from India and beyond. We are thrilled to see how this season will elevate Indian fashion on a global stage.”
A Week to Remember
With an impressive line-up of designers, collaborations, and initiatives, Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI is set to captivate audiences with a vibrant fusion of heritage and modernity, sustainability, and innovation. From emerging talent to fashion icons, this season promises to be a dynamic celebration of Indian fashion’s past, present, and future.
As the fashion world turns its gaze to Delhi, Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI will undoubtedly leave an indelible mark, shaping the future of fashion in India and beyond.