While the hustle and bustle of attending fashion weeks may have been replaced by curling up on the couch and live-streaming fashion films, the excitement of watching a new collection being unveiled (with a seat at the front row, no less) never wanes. As fashion weeks have been forced to rethink their existing models, and their very roles due to the pandemic, the first-ever digital edition of Lakmé Fashion Week 2020 turned season fluid, and provided us with an immersive experience, that bridged the gap between the digital and the physical.
Providing us with a virtual runway that was basically like the real thing – but with fashion films, an all-inclusive gallery, and an interactive platform to try beauty looks, it’s safe to say that LFW took its all-new digital avatar to the next level. And let’s not forget – the stunning collections that took our breaths away. With gorgeous ensembles and fashion films that were a sight to behold, here are the highlights from the designers who showcased at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020.
Manish Malhotra
Kicking off Lakmé Fashion Week in style, Manish Malhotra presented his fashion film Ruhaaniyat, with actor Kartik Aaryan as muse. Celebrating his ten-year long association with the Mijwan Foundation, the collection paid tribute to the Indian artisans and craftsmen. Featuring bridal wear with three-layered ensembles in rich fabrics of pure cotton, silk, velvets and Mashru, in muted hues of teal, pistachio green, dusky pink, grey, maroon, black and white, the collection was an opulent amalgamation of old-world charm and artisanal skills. Swipe through for a look at Manish Malhotra’s decadent collection:
Watch the fashion film here:
Malai
Winners of the Circular Design Challenge and sustainable fashion brand Malai presented its collection, in collaboration with Reliance Industries Ltd.’s Elan Fashion for Earth, and the United Nations Environment Programme. Using bio-composite material based on bacterial cellulose grown on water from mature coconuts and natural fibres, the brand’s chic ensembles featured cyanotype prints, graphic tees, and malai appliqué work in mundu fabric. Swipe through for a look at Malai’s collection at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020:
Watch the showcase here:
Gaurang Shah
Gaurang Shah’s showcase Taramati was a collection of 30 intricately crafted saris that transported you back to the Golconda era. Created using a blend of fabrics in hues of beige, green, wine, yellow, pink and purple, the elegant weaves featured ikat, floral motifs, and Parsi gara work. Swipe through for a look at Gaurang’s timeless collection:
Watch the showcase here:
All About India
The All About India showcase at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020 featured 6 designer labels that paid tribute to Indian crafts and helped revive the livelihood of artisans who were impacted by the pandemic. The collaborative showcase featured Rajesh Pratap Singh for Satya Paul whose collection highlighted double ikat weaves, Urvashi Kaur’s collection Tahul which displayed Shibori tie-dye techniques, Abraham and Thakore’s capsule collection starring hand block prints, Dhanak by Anavila, which displayed zari and khatwa work, Payal Khandwala’s limited edition collection of silk jamdaani saris, and Suket Dhir’s collection with handwoven silk brocades at the centre stage. Swipe through for a look at the striking collections from All About India:
Watch the All About India showcase here:
Pankaj and Nidhi
Featuring ensembles fit for workwear, loungewear and holiday wear, Pankaj and Nidhi’s collection Talisman was a versatile blend. With sustainable fabrics made of 100% recycled PET bottles in four hero hues of sandy peach, dusty pink, pecan brown and earthy blue, the clothing was elevated with the use of colour blocking and geometric prints. Swipe through for a look at Pankaj and Nidhi’s collection at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020:
Watch the showcase here:
Péro
Inspired by the Kawai Japanese street style culture of Harajuku fashion, Péro by Aneeth Arora’s new collection, Locked in Love, gave us waves of childhood, dollhouse nostalgia and perfectly encapsulated the current lockdown mood. Showcased with a fashion film that was an aesthetic visual delight, the collection focused on a pastel colour palette and featured gingham, big stripes, laces, flowers, ribbons and bows. Now if only we could wear every single one of these outfits while staying locked in. Swipe through for a look at Péro’s collection at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020:
Mishru
Featuring vibrant, summer tones with shades of pinks, blues and ivories, Swapna Anumolu’s Mishru launched its new collection, aptly titled The Lost Summer. Varied silhouettes like pre-draped saris and swirling lehengas, along with Indo-fusion sets, asymmetrical tunics and flowing capes set the tone for the collection. Swipe through for a look at Mishru’s new collection, perfect for every occasion – from festive wear, to brunch dates:
Watch the showcase here:
Amit Aggarwal
Designer Amit Aggarwal took us on a journey through the cosmos, with his fashion film titled First Light. Inspired by celestial beauty, the designer’s ethereal collection featured organic Indian chanderi and matka silk in hues of Venus violet, Gamma green and Earthy plum, illuminated by metallic accents. With fluid silhouettes involving swirling lehengas and saris with the leheriya technique, the elegant collection is perfect for the upcoming festive season. Swipe through for a look at Amit Aggarwal’s collection at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020:
Watch the showcase here:
Disha Patil
With a line designed for the new-age bride, Disha Patil’s new collection, The Labyrinth, was a sartorial delight. Featuring mystical symbols such as Seed of Life, Flower of Life, the Sri Yantra and the Metatron’s Cube, the unconventional bridal wear collection featured ornate cholis (that resembled waistcoats) and lehengas that eliminated the dupatta all together and focused on one-shoulder drapes. The highlight of the show was the showstopper, Diana Penty, who looked stunning in an ivory deep V-neck choli with a sheer train and a heavily embellished lehenga. Swipe through for a look at Disha Patil’s collection:
Watch the showcase here:
Jayanti Reddy
An ode to the colour red, Jayanti Reddy’s Rouge, was all about giving a modern take to the traditional hue that features in Indian bridal wear. Created in fabrics of chanderi, satin and silk, the dazzling line of ensembles was accentuated with glimmering embellishments. The silhouettes from the collection featured tiny cape blouses, long-sleeved cholis, draped skirts and fluid capes, making for a bold, vibrant collection. Swipe through for a look at Jayanti Reddy’s collection at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020:
Sukriti and Aakriti
Designer duo Sukriti and Aakriti showcased their festive collection with neo-phulkari work as the central element, and Bollywood actors Radhika Madan and Aparshakti Khurana as showstoppers. With fluid silhouettes like ghararas, flared empire line dresses and swirling skirts, the ensembles featured naturally-dyed gota work to gave a contemporary feel to the age-old Punjabi phulkari technique. Swipe through for a look at Sukriti and Aakriti’s vibrant collection:
Watch the showcase for Jayanti Reddy and Sukriti and Aakriti here:
Anushree Reddy
Anushree Reddy unveiled her new demi-couture bridal wear collection, titled Nazaara, with an emphasis on being a fuss-free trousseau for the millennial bride. With ensembles made of silk, organza, handwoven cotton and tulle in hues of ivory, peachy pink, cherry red, strong royal purple and regal navy, the collection exuded romance and femininity. The glamorous pieces were adorned with handcrafted 3D crystal work, katdana and delicate thread work, along with fine embroidery detailing. Swipe through for a look at Anushree Reddy’s collection:
Watch the showcase here:
Kunal Rawal
With Sonakshi Sinha and Ishaan Khatter as showstoppers for his showcase, designer Kunal Rawal presented his new collection, Process, at Lakmé Fashion Week 2020. Perfect for a glamorous black-tie event, defined and structured silhouettes in monochrome shades of black, off-white and greys set the tone for the collection, along with his signature metallic highlights and tone-on-tone Kashmiri handwork in geometric patterns. Swipe through for a look at Kunal Rawal’s contemporary collection:
Watch the showcase here:
Aisha Rao
Designer Aisha Rao’s new collection, Pastiche, was a vibrant range of upcycled luxury ensembles fit for festive wardrobes. Taking inspiration from Australian artist Criss Cannings’ still-life artwork, the collection featured floral motifs with silhouettes like saris, sleek tunics, narrow pants and cropped blouses in bold hues of pink, red and deep purple. Also, we’re just gonna say it – Athiya Shetty looked stunning as the showstopper, decked in a long-sleeved, heavily embellished choli teamed with a high waisted lehenga. The most fascinating part of the collection though? The use of waste sock bands, incorporated into surface embroidery with appliqués. Swipe through for a look at Aisha Rao’s sustainable collection:
Punit Balana
Staying true to his signature, vibrant prints, designer Punit Balana’s collection at the Lakmé Fashion Week, Muneer, featured natural block prints in organic dyes and hand embroidery. With silhouettes like lehengas, cholis, dupattas, dhoti pants and kurtas, the ensembles were accentuated with Mughal architectural motifs, stripes and glimmering embellishments. Swipe through for a look at Punit Balana’s fabulous collection:
Watch the showcase for Aisha Rao and Punit Balana here:
