New Delhi, October 9, 2025: Lakmē Fashion Week in association with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) launched its long-awaited season with a glimpse into the past at The Kunj, a venue bearing the name of Indian craft and design. The opening show consisted of Anavila, Akaaro, and The Edit by The Kunj and formed a cogent story that was a nod to Canada of the ancient Indian artisans.
The exhibition was a preview of the following week based on craftsmanship, sustainability and innovation.
The partnership with FDCI, Lakmē and Reliance Brands reminds that they will always be devoted to the arts and designer fashion, and the core of Handmade in India, crafted for the world should be the center of the fashion ecosystem.
Supported by DC Handicrafts under the Ministry of Textiles, the setting of The Kunj lent an authentic, immersive backdrop where craft and creativity converged. The evening celebrated the artistry of Indian handloom, weaving together stories through intricate weaves, embroidery, and traditional textiles that stood as a symbol of the country’s cultural continuum.
The Edit by The Kunj – Khamir, Iro Iro, Pieux, Aavaran, Kiniho, Runway Nagaland, Jiyo, Vimor, Shrujan, Vriksh and Mirasi showcased an exquisite selection of handcrafted pieces from age-old ikats and Shibori to pure cottons, pashminas, and intricate Kutch embroideries each narrating a story of heritage and dexterity passed down through generations.
Amrit Raj, DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, said: “The Kunj was envisioned as a dynamic multidimensional hub where traditional artistry meets contemporary design. Through collaborations like this opening show at Lakmé Fashion Week, we aim to bring the work of our artisans & designer collaboration to the forefront of modern fashion conversations.
It is heartening to see platforms like Fashion Design Council of India and Lakmē celebrate the craft sector’s immense contribution to India’s cultural and creative economy.”
The collection Sarmast by Anavila Mishra explored the theme of stillness and emotion in a meditative cycle based on the mystic experience of Wajd and soul of the Deccan. The collection is a poetic conversation between tradition and imagination using handwoven linen, appliqued satin and fine French lace.
Anavila Misra posted To open Lakme Fashion Week with Sarmast is very special – it is a line of stillness, emotion, and silent beauty of craft. It is a mild commencement, an invitation to rest, and taste the poetry of simplicity, where each of the weaves and details tells about the soul of the Deccan.
Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta presented Starlight — a collection that extended the brand’s exploration of material modernity through handwoven silk, khadi silk, cotton, metallic threads, and their signature kinjis. The result was an architectural yet deeply human collection that redefined the language of Indian handloom.
Gaurav Jai Gupta shared: “It is an honour for Akaaro to open Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI this season, and to do so at The Kunj — a space dedicated to Indian craft and its many expressions. Presenting Starlight here feels particularly significant, as the collection continues our ongoing inquiry into how handwoven textiles can embody modernity and emotion in equal measure.”
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“To open the week at The Kunj is both an honour and an affirmation — of the relevance of craft today, and of Akaaro’s continuing dialogue at the intersection of textile, design, and thought,” he added.
Speaking on the significance of the opening show, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, shared: “Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India, with the support of The Kunj under DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, is proud to present the Opening Show for this season of fashion week.
This collaboration beautifully represents our shared philosophy to preserve, promote, and contemporize Indian crafts, and opening the fashion week with a show that so powerfully highlights the artistry of our artisans reaffirms our belief that India’s creative legacy continues to inspire global conversations in fashion.”
Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmē India, shared,“Lakmē Fashion Week has always been a platform where creativity and craftsmanship come together to shape the future of beauty and fashion in India. At Lakmē, we believe in celebrating the timeless beauty of craft while reimagining it for today’s consumer – rooted in tradition, yet expressive and relevant in the contemporary world. We’re proud to support designers and provide a stage that brings this vision to life.”
Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands, added, “The Opening Show at The Kunj stands as a powerful statement of how far the platform has come in redefining India’s fashion narrative globally. It celebrates creativity without boundaries – uniting innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration.
As we open this new season, we do so with a shared vision towards supporting the craft and artisanal eco-system.”
The opening show at The Kunj set a profound tone for the week ahead, a celebration of artistry, innovation, and India’s timeless connection to craft.
For media queries, please contact:
Lakmē
Pooja Churiwala
Pooja.churiwala@uni lever.com FDCI
Deepshikha Jalota deepshikha@fdci.o rg Fetch PR
Pankhuri
Pankhuri@fetch consulting.in
About House of Lakmē :
The House of Lakmē, is India’s no.1 colour cosmetics and leading premium skincare brand from Hindustan Unilever Ltd. The brand has been the pioneer of the make-up and colour cosmetics in India since 1952 with 1000+ SKUs that push the trendsetting envelope of beauty and fashion. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian consumer’s needs, the House of Lakmē offers a comprehensive beauty experience through its extensive product portfolio, for fashionistas to embrace beauty unapologetically. For further information, log on to: www.Lakmē india.com
About Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI):
The organization is a non-profit group, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) which is the highest body of fashion design in India, and is represented by more than 400 members. It was established on the basis of encouraging, developing and showcasing the finest fashion and design talent in the country; its ultimate goal is to spread the fashion business. FDCI remains on its promise of marketing the Make in India brand where handlooms are being put in the spotlight, in a nation, where the historical background of the country is dipped in the aromas of local craftsmanship.
For more information, please visit: www.fdci.org
About Reliance Brands:
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) is one of the subsidiaries of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd and started its operations in 2007 with the need to create and develop global brands in luxury to premium in both fashion and lifestyle. Its existing brand alliances include Armani Exchange, Armani caffe, Balenciaga, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, Dune, EA7, Elan Cafe, Emporio Armani, Gas, Giorgio Armani, hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy choo, Kate Spade, la Martina, Lenscrafters, Manish Malhotra, Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul and Sh RBL currently has 1,621 doors divided in 934 shops and 687 shopping in shops in India. RBL has also made investments in homegrown designer brands and operation over the past five years on top of the acquisition of the iconic British toy retailer Hamleys. Hamleys has 191 stores all over the world in 14 countries.
For more information, please visit: https://relianceretail.com/partner-brands.html
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