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Designers Abhishek Chauhan, Shreya Parasrampuria & Sharan Adka, and Nimisha Diwakar announced as the winners of the 42nd edition of NIF Global Presents GenNext

Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) unveils the 42nd edition of NIF Global Presents GenNext, reaffirming its commitment to discovering and nurturing the country’s most exciting emerging fashion talent. Celebrated as one of India’s most influential talent incubators, the initiative continues to spotlight designers whose work reflects originality, strong craftsmanship, and a progressive point of view.

This season, Abhishek Chauhan Studio, Shreya Parasrampuria & Sharan Adka, and Nimisha Diwakar have been selected as the newest designers to join the GenNext legacy. Chosen for their distinctive design language and creative vision, the three brands will debut their collections on the Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI runway, gaining access to one of the country’s most prestigious fashion platforms and the opportunity to engage with industry leaders, buyers, media, and consumers.

Two Decades of Discovering Talent

For over two decades, GenNext has played a defining role in shaping the future of Indian fashion. Supported by Lakmē, FDCI, Reliance Brands Limited and NIF Global, the initiative has successfully completed 41 editions, introducing more than 250 designers to the industry. Several of its alumni including Rahul Mishra, Kunal Rawal, Rimzim Dadu, and Aneeth Arora of Péro have gone on to establish globally recognised labels, reinforcing GenNext’s reputation as a launchpad for exceptional talent.

The Selection Jury

The selection process for the 42nd edition saw emerging designers from across the country present their collections before an eminent jury. The jury evaluated each collection on originality, storytelling, craftsmanship, technical execution and its potential to contribute to the evolving landscape of Indian fashion.

The Jury Panel

Payal Khandwala, Designer
Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Editorial Director, ELLE India
Tina Tahiliani, Executive Director, Ensemble India
Priyanka Khanna, Author and Editor
Sabina Chopra, Brand Strategist and Mentor
Raisa Chakravarty, Head of Innovations, Lakmē
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited

Voices Behind the Platform

“Every edition of GenNext introduces us to designers who challenge conventions while remaining deeply rooted in authenticity and craft. The platform consistently creates a launchpad for emerging talent to be seen, celebrated, and supported at a pivotal stage in their journey. Backing these bold, individual voices remains core to what we do at Lakmē.” — Raisa Chakravarty, Head of Innovations, Lakmē

“NIF Global presents GenNext’ is a celebration of the designers who will define tomorrow’s creative landscape. Our mission is to cultivate talent through meaningful industry engagement, hands-on learning, and unparalleled opportunities that inspire innovation and excellence. As GenNext takes the spotlight at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, we remain committed to empowering emerging fashion and interior designers to transform bold ideas into lasting impact.” — Shaunik Khosla, Business Head, NIF Global

“NIF Global presents GenNext has consistently identified designers who bring fresh perspectives to Indian fashion while demonstrating remarkable creative potential. As we welcome the 42nd cohort, we remain committed to supporting young talent and creating opportunities that enable the next generation of designers to build enduring brands and contribute to the industry’s continued evolution.” — Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited

42nd Batch of NIF Global Presents GenNext Designers

In image: Designer Abhishek Chauhan, Founder of Abhishek Chauhan Studio

ALCHEMY collection by Abhishek Chauhan Studio

Designer Name: Abhishek Chauhan
Brand Name: Abhishek Chauhan Studio
City: Noida
Collection Name: ALCHEMY — Nature × Craft × Technology

This collection redefines the language of sustainable luxury through innovative bio-based materials, challenging the perception that conscious fashion must follow a predictable aesthetic. It proves that sustainability can be bold, architectural, and contemporary – where innovation, craftsmanship, and responsibility coexist without compromise.

Designers Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka, Founders of Day and Age

In image: Designers Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka, Founder of Day and Age

Neither This Nor That collection by Day and Age

Designer Name: Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka
Brand Name: Day and Age
City: Jaipur
Collection Name: Neither This Nor That

Every day is a battle between our own plural, ever-shifting selves. Neither This Nor That explores this idea through mythical hybrid creatures. Kantha quilts are synonymous with this idea, with each one made up of many layers of fabric. This one-of-one collection embraces plural identities, inhabiting the in-between and existing as many things at once.

In image: Designer Nimisha Diwakar, Founder of Subbah

Designer Name: Nimisha Diwakar
Brand Name: Subbah
City: Kolkata
Collection Name: Hustle and Hue

Inspired by the chaos and serenity of Mullick Ghat, where flowers have carried Kolkata’ memories since 1855, this collection reinterprets Bengal’s age-old Batikk tradition, transforming the city’s heritage into a contemporary visual language through crab and batik design.