Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI 2025 Opening Show: Craft, Colour, and Couture at The Kunj
The opening show of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI 2025 marked a bold start to the 25th edition of India’s most celebrated fashion extravaganza. Hosted at The Kunj, Delhi’s first craft-focused retail destination, the event spotlighted the synergy between handloom artistry and contemporary design.
Gaurav Jai Gupta’s Akaaro: A Burst of Pink
The evening opened with Gaurav Jai Gupta’s Akaaro collection, ‘Starlight’, a vivid homage to pink skies rendered in handwoven khadi silks, cottons, and metallic fabrics. The signature kinji palla saris, lungi drapes, and layered overcoats showcased Gupta’s mastery of texture and movement, making it one of the standout moments of the night.
Anavila Misra’s Subtle Elegance
Designer Anavila Misra presented a curated selection from her ‘Sarmast’ collection, inspired by the opulence of the Deccan region. Soft organza and linen saris and lehengas in muted cream, blush, and gold tones were accentuated with obi belts, corset tops, and bib blouses, blending fluidity with structure.
Music and Mood
Live performances added dimension to the showcase. Singer Deveshi Sahgal lent a retro flair to the early presentations, while violinist Madina provided a soulful score for Gupta’s collection, proving once again that fashion and entertainment are inseparable.
Scenography and Scope for Refinement
While Ankon Mitra’s textile-art installation elevated the ambiance, the venue’s architecture posed challenges. Split seating and limited visibility affected the runway experience, and some multi-designer segments, like ‘The Edit at The Kunj’, felt rushed and under-focused.
The Verdict
Lakmē Fashion Week’s opening show celebrated craft, creativity, and colour, though tighter choreography and streamlined programming could have enhanced the visual narrative. It was a promising start to a week that promises to merge tradition with innovation, giving craft a modern, global stage.
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