Lakmé Fashion Week’s latest crop of Gen Next designers make their debut on August 22, but here’s a little sneak peek for you hardcore fashion enthusiasts.
Yadvi Agarwal, 28
Label: Yavi
Art meets fashion in Yavi’s unique pieces, all of which are created using indigenous textiles such as chanderi silk, cotton and linen. “No two of our hand-painted jackets are alike. Each is made by composing layer after layer of printing, with blocks and found objects such as crumpled newspaper balls or sticks,” says Agarwal.
Ajay Kumar Singh, 33
Label: AUR
For his label, Singh collaborates with NGOs that work with children with mental disabilities. The resulting surface ornamentations of his garments are inspired by their artworks. “Every piece highlights the unexplored areas of our imagination,” he says.
Shweta Gupta, 32
Label: SWGT
Craftsmanship and technology come together in Shweta Gupta’s label. “We want to showcase a modern take on nomadic expressions by using traditional weaves that mimic textures of age-old rocks and Himalayan terrain,” says the designer, who looks to Rei Kawakubo of Comme des Garçons for inspiration.
Anurag Gupta, 28
Label: Anurag Gupta
Gupta’s speciality lies in scrap metal embroidery and clothes that can be worn in multiple ways using proportions and deconstruction. For his upcoming line, he was inspired by graphic artist MC Escher’s Metamorphosis II. “My work embodies change through the forms, motifs and dyes I use,” he says.
Neelanjan Ghosh, 41 and Kanika Sachdev, 33
Label: Jajaabor
From the quaint Czech town of Český Krumlov to the ivory houses of Mijas, Spain, Jajabor captures Ghosh and Sachdev’s travels, through its relaxed silhouettes and natural fabrics. “All our pieces tell stories of the places we’ve been to. The cobbled streets, the coffee shops, the flower pots lining the windowsills they are all represented in our pieces through embroidery, prints and textures,” says Sachdev.
From left, on Agarwal: Silk dress and coat; both Yavi. Leather heels, Agarwal’s own. Metal earrings and cuff; both Accessorize. On Singh: Linen shirt, cotton-mix pants; both Bhane. Acetate glasses, leather shoes; both Singh’s own. On Shweta: Silk shirt, cotton pants; both SWGT. Suede shoes, adidas Originals. Acetate glasses, Shweta’s own. Metal earrings and ring; both Outhouse. On Anurag: Cotton shirt and pants, linen jacket; all Anurag’s own. Leather shoes, Clarks. On Ghosh: Linen shirt, Marks & Spencer. Khadi jacket and pants; both Jajaabor. Leather shoes, Ghosh’s own. On Sachdev: Cotton top, metal rings; all Sachdev’s own. Khadi pants and jacket; both Jajaabor. Leather sneakers, adidas Originals. Metal earrings, Tribe By Amrapali.
Photograph: Dwaipayan Mazumdar
Styling: Pujarini Ghosh
Art direction: Vidhi Mirpuri
Hair and make-up: Neu blush
Assisted by: Tejaswini Sinha (Styling)
