Lakmé Fashion Week'25 Opens in Crafted Glory

Indian craftsmanship took the spotlight as Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI opened at The Kunj in New Delhi, setting the tone for a season steeped in heritage and handloom artistry. The evening celebrated India’s evolving drape culture and timeless textile traditions through three evocative showcases by Anavila Misra, Gaurav Jai Gupta of Akaaro, and The Edit curated by The Kunj.

The show began on a soulful note with singer Deveshi Sahgal performing sufiana qalams, enveloping the venue in a meditative aura.

Anavila Misra’s collection, “Sarmast,” reimagined the classic saree with handwoven linen and appliqued satin, elevated by hand embroidery and styled with corsets, jackets, and structured blouses. “The saree has evolved; it’s expressive, layered, and deeply personal,” said Anavila, reflecting on her collection’s fluid aesthetic.

Gaurav Jai Gupta’s “Starlight” under his label Akaaro explored the interplay of texture and luminosity through handwoven silk, khadi silk, cotton, and metallic threads, creating silhouettes that shifted with light. Styled by Daniel Franklin, the presentation blended modernity with India’s textile soul.

The finale segment, “The Edit by The Kunj,” curated by Amrit Raj, Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), offered a rich tapestry of craftsmanship from ikat and Shibori to pashmina, pure cotton, and Kutch embroidery each narrating stories of heritage passed down through generations.

The opening show reaffirmed that India’s craft vocabulary is not just surviving, it’s reinventing itself for the global runway.