Lakmé Fashion Week 2025, held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), marked a significant shift towards sustainable and conscious fashion. The event, hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai from March 26 to 30, 2025, showcased a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern eco-friendly practices.
Embracing Sustainability and Circular Fashion
This year's edition placed a strong emphasis on sustainability, with designers and brands highlighting eco-friendly materials, ethical production methods, and circular fashion concepts. The Circular Design Challenge winner, Rkive City, presented a collection crafted entirely from recycled post-consumer waste, demonstrating that sustainability can be both stylish and innovative.
Celebrating Handcrafted Textiles
The event celebrated India's rich textile heritage through showcases like the NIF Global presents GenNext show, featuring emerging designers who championed handwoven artistry. Abhichiq celebrated textile heritage with intricate weaves, That Antiquepiece exuded royal grandeur, and Quarter emphasized handcrafted textures and drapes.
Rina Singh’s EKA transported the audience into a spring-summer dreamscape, where pastels, sheer fabrics, and airy handwoven textures dominated the runway. The show highlighted the enduring charm of Indian handlooms in contemporary fashion.
Innovative Silhouettes and Designs
Designers experimented with silhouettes in unprecedented ways, blending classic styles with avant-garde structures. Rahul Mishra's collection stood out with its bold hues, vibrant colors, and timeless silhouettes, infusing energy and life into the runway.
Artisan-Driven Narratives
Craftsmanship remained at the heart of many showcases. Five artisan designers from Somaiya Kala Vidya brought forth collections deeply rooted in their respective crafts. Zaid Khatri modernized Ajrakh with contemporary motifs, while Shakil Ahmed presented abstract Batik, merging tradition with innovation.
Global Collaborations and Discussions
Beyond the runway, sustainability was discussed in depth at the Canopy Planet panel. Moderated by journalist and sustainability specialist Namrata Zakaria, the panel included speakers like Nicolery Croft (Executive Director, Canopy), Sara Maino (Creative Director, Fondazione Sozzani), and designers Amit Aggarwal and Urvashi Kaur. The discussion focused on the future of new-generation materials and circularity-based innovations in fashion.
Lakmé Fashion Week 2025 successfully demonstrated that sustainability and high fashion can coexist. By embracing eco-friendly practices, celebrating traditional craftsmanship, and fostering global collaborations, the event set a new benchmark for the fashion industry in India and beyond.