Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI which is in its 49th edition and has quickly climbed up to one of the most awaited events in the fashion calendar. And while celebrated designers and their showcases always enthrall, we would like to draw your attention to Gen Next designers of 2024 – Kriti Greta Singhee, Rosani, Shimona Agrawal and The Terra Tribe. The crown they inherit is heavy indeed, for Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI has been a launchpad for some of the most celebrated names in the fashion world. Icons like Masaba Gupta, Rahul Mishra, and Kallol Datta have emerged from its illustrious stage, leaving an indelible mark on the global fashion landscape.
Fashion, after all, thrives on novelty, on embracing the new, the strange, and the eye-catching. With each passing year, these emerging talents breathe fresh life into the industry, drawing inspiration from tradition while fearlessly exploring new frontiers of design. Here are some designers who were put into the spotlight during Lakmē fashion week and since then have made quite a name for themselves.
Masaba Gupta
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With her eponymous label, Masaba, she has captivated audiences with bold designs that seamlessly blend Indian heritage with contemporary trends. Known for her eclectic style, Masaba has made a name for herself not only as a designer but also as an actor, jewellery designer and an entrepreneur. Fondly known as the queen of prints, Masaba made her debut at Lakmē Fashion Week in 2009, when she was only 19.
Nachiket Barve
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With the launch of his eponymous label, as a part of the Gen Next designers at Lakmē Fashion Week 2007, Nachiket Barve has emerged as quite a visionary in the world of fashion. From vibrant prints inspired by Indian folklore to sleek, minimalist silhouettes, Nachiket’s creations all share a common thread of exquisite craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Rahul Mishra
Rahul Mishra was a part of the first batch of Gen Next designers in 2006 and since then, he hasn’t looked back. He became the first Indian designer to showcase his collection at the Paris Haute Couture Week last year. He also won the International Woolmark Prize in 2014 at Milan Fashion Week, becoming the first Indian designer to win the award.
Aneeth Arora of Péro
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Aneeth Arora, the creative mind behind Péro, brings a unique whimsy to her creations. She made her debut with the Gen Next designers in 2009 and since then she has established herself as an ace designer. Known for her playful designs, Arora effortlessly combines traditional Indian craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Her collections feature intricate hand-embroidery, delicate prints, and exquisite detailing.
Kunal Rawal
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With his debut as part of the Gen Next designers in 2006, Kunal Rawal has come a long way. His designs speak volumes with their understated elegance. Collaborating with iconic personalities from Bollywood to global stages, his creations epitomise sartorial excellence and redefine the narrative of masculinity.
Ruchika Sachdeva
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Ruchika Sachdeva, the visionary behind Bodice Studio, was a part of the 2010 batch of Gen Next designers at Lakmē Fashion Week. She has revolutionised contemporary fashion with her minimalist yet bold designs. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to sustainability, Sachdeva’s collections redefine luxury, seamlessly blending organic textiles with avant-garde silhouettes.
Kallol Datta
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Kallol Datta has been challenging the conventional norms of beauty and style with a knack for asymmetry, deconstruction, and bold prints ever since his debut in 2008. Embracing imperfection as a form of expression, Datta is a fan of individuality and self-expression which shows through his designs.
