The Spring/Summer edition of Lakmé Fashion Week 2024 x FDCI concluded last night with AFEW Rahul Mishra's show at the Jio Convention Centre. The five-day fashion week kicked off with an array of new designers, featuring labels like Rosani and The Terra Tribe. It also showcased notable milestones, such as Urvashi Kaur celebrating 15 years in the industry, along with presentations by established names like Shantnu & Nikhl and AK-OK by Anamika Khanna. Here's a quick low down on what happened on the menswear front.
Day 1
Rosani: Clean tailoring with an edge. Rosani's metallic embellishments and Pantyhose socks added a touch of unexpected coolness to classic trousers, shirts, and jackets. This is the perfect balance between sharp and statement-making.
Archana Rao: Summer essentials done right. Rao's "Sun and Moon" collection offered a perfect mix of summery co-ords and cosy knits. Think breezy yet stylish pieces you can wear all season long.
La Martina x Rajesh Pratap Singh: The epitome of modern elegance. Forget stuffy suits, Singh's collaboration with La Martina redefines equestrian-inspired style for today's man. Think sleek lines, luxurious fabrics, and a cool factor that's perfect for the city. Plus, who can resist a live polo match to kick off the collection? Now that's Lakmé Fashion Week done right.
Day 2: Sustainable Fashion Day
Yavi: Yadvi Agarwal's "Yavi" collection was a burst of colour – think "Kitchen Garden Delights" with fresh fruits adorning breezy silhouettes and cool co-ords. A perfect pick-me-up for summer wardrobes.
Urvashi Kaur: This veteran designer celebrated 15 years with a heartwarming showcase. Her signature style – minimal, cheerful, and genderless – took center stage, with clothes that blend indigenous weaves with global influences. A sustainable win that transcends trends.
R | ELAN x JJV. Kapurthala: While JJ Valaya's bridge line "Char" offered occasion-ready travel wear, it didn't quite push boundaries. The silhouettes felt familiar, and some prints seemed like reruns from last season.
Day 3
Skechers Presents Retroverse designed by Kanika Goyal
Skechers debuted their India-first streetwear collection, aptly named "Retroverse," designed by the talented Kanika Goyal. The collection was a mashup of classic Skechers style with modern streetwear vibes, perfect for the Indian summer. Think comfy silhouettes with a sporty edge – Kriti Sanon absolutely rocked the sporty mini dress as the showstopper!
All You Can Street: Day 3 belonged to homegrown streetwear talent! "All You Can Street" showcased 66 looks from the hottest Indian streetwear brands like Warping Theories, Erode, and Garuda SS. Themed "URL to IRL," the collection seamlessly blended online and offline aesthetics, offering a diverse range of styles for the street-savvy crowd.
Day 4
Siddartha Tytler: Tytler's "Checkmate" collection was all about high-octane glamour. Think metallic hues, dramatic tulle skirts, and a playful mix of sherwanis and co-ords. This collection is a celebration of confidence, but be warned – it's not for the faint of heart.
Shantnu & Nikhil: India's power duo took a more sophisticated route with "S&N Valour Crest," inspired by military honors. The collection featured sharp tailoring for both men and women, with decorative leather corsets, jodhpuri jackets with statement belts, and crest details adding a touch of regality. This is a collection for those who appreciate timeless elegance with a touch of edge.
Day 5
AFEW Rahul Mishra: Couturier Rahul Mishra closed Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI with a bang, showcasing his RTW line AFEW's collection titled "Sculpt." This wasn't just visually stunning – it had depth. Inspired by nature's artistry, the collection pulsed with vegetal and animal motifs. Sequin dresses shimmered, while easy-to-wear overcoats bloomed with floral embellishments. Geometric skirts added a touch of modern edge, and bodysuits offered a dose of glamour. The showstopper, Ananya Panday, was a vision in an outfit that perfectly embodied the collection's theme.
AFEW Rahul Mishra's "Sculpt" proves that fashion can be a celebration of the natural world, offering both beauty and substance. It's a fitting end to a Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI that has showcased a diverse range of talent and innovation.