Couture is everywhere, literally — when Balenciaga is not making a return to the art form after 50 years, statements are being released by designers like Rahul Mishra, Daniel Roseberry for Schiaparelli and Olivier Rousteing and Glenn Martens for Jean Paul Gaultier.
This also happens to be a big year for our home country, as India Couture Week completes 15 years. To celebrate it, the Fashion Design Council Of India (FDCI) will open with a grand fashion week, scheduled to take place on July 22. The ten-day event will take place at the Taj Palace Hotel, along with a few off-site shows, to boot.
The line-up so far looks exciting for menswear, and womenswear, too, with designers such as Amit Aggarwal, Anamika Khanna, Anju Modi, Dolly J, Falguni Shane Peacock, JJ Valaya, Kunal Rawal, Rahul Mishra, Rohit Gandhi + Rahul Khanna, Siddhartha Tytler, Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani and Varun Bahl as confirmed names on the roster.
Launched in 2008, the very first edition of the gala event included designers such as Anamika Khanna, Ashish Soni, JJ Valaya, Manav Gangwani, Manish Malhotra, Pallavi Jaikishan, Ritu Kumar, Rohit Bal, Suneet Varma, Tarun Tahiliani, and Varun Bahl. Over the years, the platform has helped establish numerous Indian couturiers, many of whom have gone on to build international appeal.
The upcoming edition is expected to incorporate key elements of Indian couture, with collections featuring heavy embellishments, feathers, sequins, and tech-based design infusions.
The couture week will kick off with a showcase by Tahiliani, who is sure to woo the crowd with ethereal gowns and embellished outfits. Mishra, who is known for his showcases at international fashion weeks, is possibly going to set the stage on the fire with an exciting collection, too. As for menswear, we’re watching out for what Rawal and Aggarwal have to offer, given that they have frequently challenged the norms of couture with Indian menswear collections that are best know for their bandhgala, sherwani and jackets.
FDCI shared a sneak-peek into the upcoming collections on their Instagram, in a bid to generate buzz. Take a look at them below.
Looking back at the 15-year-long tradition started by the couture week, Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, said, “This has been a memorable journey of celebrating the unique heritage we possess as a country. And this year too we have 13 of India’s leading couturiers showcasing the finest crafts which will hold centre stage at the ten-day extravaganza.”
For those looking to get a taste of the event, watch out for the physical shows, which will be live-streamed on the FDCI’s digital platforms like, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
