Fashion Recap: Designers we loved at recently concluded Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI 2024

New Delhi

The Lakme Fashion Week concluded on Sunday (October 13) night after a fabulous run in New Delhi with multiple fashion designers showcasing their latest collections, moving into a new season with cool, chic, and contemporary designs. Some reimagined their previous hit collections and gave them a new spin to suit modern sensibilities, while others drew inspiration for their travels and adapted new tech with breathable and sustainable fabrics.

The House of Lakmē Grand Finale concluded Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI with Rohit Bal returning to the ramp after a health scare. He brought in the velvets, the grandiose glamour, bright red flowers and so much more for his much-awaited collection, Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe. 

Rohit Bal

The show had Ananya Panday walk for Rohit Bal who looked stunning in a voluminous velvet lehenga paired with a brassiere and a crop shrug on top with beautiful flowers bedazzled on the skirt and the shrug. 

Commenting on the grand finale, Rohit Bal said, “Kaaynaat was a journey through the wonders of nature, celebrating the bloom of life and beauty. Partnering with Lakmē was an incredible experience, and this collection reflects both the grace of nature and the enduring power of beauty.”

It was truly an emotional moment for all fashion lovers, as the iconic Indian fashion designer is said to have given his final ramp show. While there is no official word, that's the word doing the rounds!

Payal Jain

We also loved designer Payal Jain’s collection which was inspired by her transformative journey through Uzbekistan. Calling it a homage to the region's rich cultural and artistic heritage, her collection boasted of vibrant Uzbeki tile motifs with bright colours on flowy dresses, gowns and more. 

Reflecting on her experience, Payal shared, “I am deeply humbled and inspired by the resilience of Uzbek culture, its people, history, and the magnificence of its heritage. With Rising Sun, I hope to share this magical journey and the brilliance of Uzbekistan with you.”

Payal Jain calls her collection the Rising Sun. She used natural fabrics like linen gauze, Chanderi silk, Katruan cotton silk, and Mulmul. She then used these fabrics and infused grand shapes, vibrant patchwork and bold print in them. These were inspired by Suzani and Ikat are interspersed with precious beads, dull gold accents, and intricate Jurma stitchwork. 

Tarun Tahiliani

Another designer to notice was Tarun Tahiliani of course who brought drama to the ramp as his showstopper Aditi Rao Hydari, came in a NEXA car. Tarun’s new luxury pret brand is once again inspired by the distinct Indian modern aesthetics. Aditi wore a strikingly blue corset-style bodysuit with a flowing wrap-around skirt and a fluid cape that was expertly draped to create a sense of fluidity juxtapositioned by the structured bodice.

On his collaboration with NEXA, Tarun Tahiliani said, “I am excited to have collaborated with NEXA since their future-forward approach complements our vision for OTT. The minimal aesthetic and deep palette is the perfect foil to reveal this new luxury prét brand that is all about a modern design language while staying true to the core values of celebrating India and its vast attire lexicon.”

Monisha Jaisingh

Monisha Jaisingh’s show deserves a mention too as the designer showcased her take on modern luxury resort wear. Shalini Passi opened the show in a metallic fabric kaftan while Riddhima Kapoor Sahni closed the show in a reimagined saree as part of the designer's The Sailing Bride 2.0 collection. 

Monisha’s new collection moved back to 2015 and the designer revived it for the 2024 wedding season. Monisha also admits to getting a large variety of design ideas and inspirations from her 2017 collection, which was a stunning presentation on the deck of the Italian luxury cruise liner Costa Neo Classica that had docked in Mumbai.

Talking about her latest work, Monisha Jaisingh said, “I am thrilled to unveil The Sailing Bride 2.0 at the prestigious Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI this year. Our journey began with the inspiration drawn from our 2017 opening show on an international luxury cruise liner docked in Mumbai. This collection reflects the joy of a modern woman, unafraid to spread her wings and embrace her individuality. It’s a wonderful opportunity to share my vision with you all, and I can't wait for everyone to experience the magic of this collection.”

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni said, “I have known Monisha for so long, and as long as I can remember I have been a Monisha Jaising label fan! From her co-ord sets to her collection of beautiful gowns, no one can beat Monisha in design fit and overall perfection! When Monisha asked me to walk for her I didn’t think twice, I immediately said a yes! She understands my frame, my body type and knew exactly what I’d be comfortable wearing.”