Mumbai, March 21st, 2026: Lakmē Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of
India (FDCI) continued to showcase the diversity of contemporary Indian fashion as designers Ritika
Mirchandani and Bhumika Sharma presented their latest runway collections at the Jio World Convention
Centre in Mumbai.

Known for their distinctive design vocabularies, both designers explored the relationship between
tradition and modernity through their collections — bringing together craft, print, structure and movement in unique ways on the Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI runway

RITIKA MIRCHANDANI

Designer Ritika Mirchandani presented ‘Confluence’ at Lakmē Fashion Week in Partnership with FDCI

A melange of Indian craftsmanship and sartorial storytelling through fluid silhouettes and playful prints
with Shanaya Kapoor as the showstopper

Designer Ritika Mirchandani presented her latest runway collection titled ‘Confluence’ at Lakmē Fashion
Week x FDCI. Known for her refined approach to occasionwear, Mirchandani’s collection explored the
meeting point where seemingly opposing elements found a shared rhythm.

The collection began at a moment of recognition, where differing energies chose alignment rather than
opposition. It unfolded as a study in contrasts that coexisted with ease. Softness balanced structure, joy
met restraint, and colour was guided by a sense of quiet control. Through this interplay, the garments
reflected a design language that favoured harmony over hierarchy.

Central to the collection was the dialogue between florals and geometric prints. Rather than appearing as
visual contrasts, the motifs interacted as complementary forces, where organic movement was shaped
through precision. Print travelled across the body in varied expressions, at times sharp and graphic, at
others playful and fluid, creating compositions that felt dynamic yet measured.

Mirchandani approached this balance with an emphasis on restraint. The garments carried richness
without excess and ease without effort. Silhouettes allowed space for movement, giving prints and
textures room to breathe. Through thoughtful tailoring and fluid structures, the collection encouraged
garments to move naturally with the wearer.

The visual language of the collection reflected the idea of multiple influences flowing into one. Each
element, whether colour, print or texture, held its own identity while contributing to a larger narrative.
Nothing dominated the composition; instead, the pieces evolved through a sense of mutual presence.
Traditional craft remained an integral part of Mirchandani’s work. Embroidery was used with purpose,
lending texture and depth while reinforcing the collection’s connection to heritage techniques.

Bollywood actress Shanaya Kapoor took centre stage for the designer. She catwalked in a shimmering
black and silver skirt featuring a daring thigh-high slit, paired with a matching deep-neck blouse. The
standout element of her ensemble was the dupatta, draped in a way that transformed the look into a
contemporary cocktail sari with a super chic finish.

Speaking about the collection, designer Ritika Mirchandani said, “What the foundation is to the
masterpiece, I like to begin with a base and then build over it layer by layer. That process of adding,
adjusting, and evolving is where the excitement lies. I like going back to my canvas, reworking the
blueprint, and rebuilding one experiment at a time.” “Tradition is the foundation and modernity is the expression. India through various dynasties, cultural moments, art, theatre and films has always evolved, which is why our fashion has evolved too, but our roots and our values will always be Indian,” said Mirchandani.

BHUMIKA SHARMA

Designer Bhumika Sharma presented Afterglow at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI

A celebration of romance, craft and modern femininity, showcased beautifully by showstopper Tamannaah

Designer Bhumika Sharma unveils her latest collection, Afterglow, at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership
with FDCI, with showstopper Tamannaah bringing the collection to life on the runway as Bhumika’s
muse. A coming together of two strong, dynamic women, the showcase captured the essence of romance, texture and modern femininity. Rooted in the brand’s signature design language, the collection reimagines traditional craft through a contemporary lens, creating pieces that are both heritage-rich and refreshingly current. Drawing from Bhumika Sharma’s iconic print vocabulary, Afterglow brings together brocade inspired Noorah motifs, vintage florals and abstract painterly patterns. These prints are thoughtfully layered and often juxtaposed within a single silhouette, creating depth, movement and a striking visual contrast that feels both nostalgic and modern.

At the heart of the collection lies Bhumika’s commitment to craftsmanship. Her signature metallic
embroideries are elevated with coloured stones, delicate beadwork, and intricate thread and mirror work,
resulting in richly textured surfaces that shimmer with dimension. Adding a sculptural softness to the
ornate detailing are intricate 3D floral elements crafted from printed fabrics, lending the garments a sense of depth and fluidity.

A key highlight this season is the introduction of extra-long tassels, designed to feel almost jewellery-like. Combining metallic threads, printed fabric buds and handcrafted textures, these elements trail gracefully across garments, adding movement and a subtle playfulness to the collection.

The silhouettes continue to reflect Bhumika Sharma’s recognisable aesthetic while evolving into more
contemporary forms. Structured corset bodices, sculpted necklines, fluid drapes and statement lehengas come together to create looks that balance traditional volume with modern ease.

The colour palette unfolds through soft ivories and muted beiges, punctuated with deep reds and teals,
allowing the intricate prints, embroideries and textures to take centre stage. With Afterglow, Bhumika Sharma presents a collection designed for a new generation of women, those who honour tradition while embracing individuality, and who seek effortless luxury infused with meaning and artistry.

The showstopper look worn by Tamannaah features the brand’s signature Royal Bloom print, brought to
life through a structured corset paired with a sequins shimmer skirt and an intricately embroidered
dupatta. The ensemble reflects a striking balance between structure and fluidity, where the sculpted corset enhances form while the shimmer skirt adds movement and luminosity. The delicate interplay of print, embellishment and silhouette creates a look that is both celebratory and refined, perfectly capturing the essence of Afterglow.

Speaking on the collection, Bhumika Sharma shares, “Afterglow is a true labour of love for me, a
beautiful montage of emotions brought together through craft, colour and form. It is a celebration of
romance, craft and modern femininity, designed to feel both personal and timeless.” The collection will be available at www.bhumikasharma.in and select stores across India and internationally.