In an era where fashion is continuously evolving, the 38th edition of the NIFD Global Presents GenNext program stands out as a beacon for emerging talent.
Partnering with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Lakmē Fashion Week has announced its latest cadre of exceptional designers who will showcase their collections at the upcoming Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI from 9th-13th October 2024 in New Delhi.
The GenNext program is renowned for its rigorous selection process, and this year’s jury featured esteemed personalities from the fashion industry, including Shahab Durazi, the Iconic Indian Designer, Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, the Editor-In-Chief at ELLE India, Sabina Chopra, an esteemed GenNext Mentor, Harman Dhillon, Executive Director, Hindustan Unilever, and Beauty and Well-Being General Manager, Unilever South Asia, and Jaspreet Chandok, the Group Vice President at Reliance Brands Ltd.
Dhillon highlights the program’s role in fostering innovation: “At Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, we embody the ever-evolving spirit of fashion and beauty, constantly pushing boundaries. Our GenNext program is a catalyst for innovation, discovering and cultivating creative geniuses that will shape the future of fashion and beauty. ”
Chandok emphasised the platform’s commitment to nurturing talent. “We have always been committed to nurturing the brightest minds in Indian fashion at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI. The NIFD Global presents GenNext program has been instrumental to this platform’s journey over the past several years, significantly impacting the Indian and global fashion industry.”
“It’s exciting to be a part of a programme with its eye on the future of fashion. Being on the jury provides a platform not just for new designers but also for existing names in the industry to re-evaluate their strategies for the year,” shares Ahmedi.
Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI reflected on the program’s transformative impact, stating, “The fashion scenes in India and throughout the world have been profoundly influenced by this project, providing some of the most talented youth in the country with an essential launchpad.”
Meet The Winners
Padma Saldon (2112 Saldon) from Leh Ladakh
Padma Saldon, the visionary behind 2112 Saldon, traces her fashion journey from childhood passions to runway success. “Since the fifth standard, I knew I wanted to pursue fashion,” she reflects on her early beginnings with craft and art. After overcoming challenges at NIFT, she launched her label on a significant date: “21st December is my birthday, so that’s why my label is called 2112 Saldon.”
Padma’s designs are deeply rooted in Ladakhi traditions. “The theme revolves around Ladakhi attire. I’ve tried to incorporate every piece, from the dress to the top beneath it,” she says. Her colour palette—fuchsia pink, ochre yellow, emerald green—reflects the hues worn by her grandparents.
Initially working with pashmina, yak, and camel wool, she eventually focused on sheep wool. “Sheep wool is probably one segment where nobody was really doing anything,” she notes.
Padma Saldon’s journey from the valleys of Ladakh to the runways of Lakmē Fashion Week is a testament to her resilience and dedication to cultural heritage. Through her label 2112 Saldon, she blends traditional textiles with contemporary designs, showcasing Ladakhi culture to the world. “I wanted to represent my culture. That common element should run through the entire collection,” she concludes.
Ananya Arora (Ananya – The Label) from Amritsar
Ananya Arora’s collection, “Zazen,” is inspired by meditation and nature, incorporating vegan silk, handloom cotton, Kala cotton denim, and recycled cotton. His designs use embroidery and block print techniques to create pieces that reflect a commitment to conscious design and the peacefulness of meditation.
Ananya’s passion for fashion bloomed early, rooted in his love for art and fabrics. “Fashion is a way to express yourself,” he says, emphasising his brand’s philosophy of creating “wearable art.” Inspired by his cousin’s work in fashion design, Ananya’s journey was set in motion, leading him to a career where he aims to make every piece of clothing feel like a piece of art.
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His latest collection is a testament to his creative vision, drawing inspiration from a French painter’s depiction of Buddha. “The painting blends trees and flowers into Buddha, representing a single consciousness,” he explains.
This theme of interconnectedness is reflected in his designs, which fuse Eastern and Western motifs, such as Indian chintz and flower patterns, into contemporary silhouettes. “I tried to translate that into the collection,” he says, “so that painting formed the basis, but also more than the visual appeal, it was what it stands for.”
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His innovative techniques set his brand apart. “We use untwisted yarn from Phulkari and a unique garment printing process,” he notes. “I’ve tweaked it a little where I have done fabric cutting, making, and then printing.” Sustainability is also a core value, “We’re trying to be responsible towards the community,” Ananya says, highlighting his commitment to plant-based fabrics.
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Despite the challenges, Ananya’s dedication remains unwavering. “This was my third application for Gennext,” he reveals. “The first two times I didn’t even get here. So this time today, when I got here, I thought, even if I don’t win today, it’s okay.” His perseverance and innovative spirit continue to drive his success and I, for one, can’t wait to see his showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week.
Saurabh Maurya (MARGN) from Noida
Saurabh’s journey into fashion design was unexpected. “I never imagined to be here because everyone in my family is a teacher or doctor,” he shares. “I just wanted to do something different. It could have been anything, but fashion just happened.”
His designs are deeply rooted in themes of protection, preservation, and humanity. “We research and study ideas of protection and human systems,” he explains. “For example, we worked on how water distribution systems function and now we’re exploring packaging and tying as forms of protection.”
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Innovation is key to his brand. “We’re known for our knitwear, especially hand-knitted pieces made by our all-women team in Kullu,” he notes. “We use recycled materials like nylons, merino wools, and cottons, mixing craft with functionality. Imagine a hand-knitted puffer jacket – that’s our USP.”
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A typical day for Saurabh is packed. “I wake up and check my emails first thing. I’ve become more of a manager than a designer. My personal time is very limited, but I enjoy what I do, so it becomes my thing.”
Reflecting on his journey, Saurabh finds GenNext a pivotal milestone. “Seeing people like Rajesh Pratap and Pero Bordas come through it, they are like gods to me. Being here feels like we made it.”
Sakshi Vijay Punyani (VJ) from Nagpur
Sakshi’s passion for fashion design emerged naturally. “Towards the end of my 10th standard, I was very sure I wanted to pursue it,” she says. Despite family pressures to take a safer path in commerce, she prepared for two years and got into NIFT Hyderabad, where she fell in love with knitwear design by the third semester.
Her current collection is deeply personal, inspired by her father’s passing two years ago. “The grief part is still ongoing,” she shares. “I wanted to create a collection that helps people validate their feelings and find strength in their grief.” She drew inspiration from the stages of a broken pot being reconstructed with golden lining, symbolising growth and resilience.
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Sakshi faced significant challenges, particularly in finding skilled artisans for her first collection. “The people I was working with were not as skilled in finishing as seen in the couture market,” she explains. Despite this, her dedication saw her working from 5:30 AM to 7:30 PM daily. “It was all motivating, and those three months went smoothly.”
Her collection features techniques like hand knitting, crochet, and flat hand knits, using recycled and organic yarns such as banana yarns, polyester yarns, alpaca, merino, and cotton. “No plastics were used; the sequins are metal or glass,” she notes, emphasising sustainability.
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A typical day for Sakshi recently shifted from resting after graduation to intense activity. “I got the confirmation from GenNext and the last few days have been crazy,” she concludes, reflecting on her whirlwind journey to the prestigious platform.
