HAUTE OFF THE RUNWAY

Lakme Fashion Week presented collections from over 45 designers who explored new materials, experimented with silhouettes, and embraced sustainability with their collections. Here are some standout moments from LFW 2024.

- Smita Tripathi

As the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW) in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), came to a close on a Sunday night in mid-October, there was a standing ovation at the grand finale for designer and couturier Rohit Bal. As he was escorted onto the stage, he hugged his showstopper, actor Ananya Panday, resplendent in a black and gold cape and lehenga filled with roses, and did a little jig as his show 'Kaaynaat: A Bloom in the Universe' came to an end. It was an emotionally charged moment. Tears rolled down freely as models, designers, and long-time friends blew kisses in his direction. Fighting months of health issues, Gudda, as Bal is lovingly called, was back, doing what he did best—weaving dreams with his creations. Who knew then, that it would be his last show? A couple of weeks later, on November 1, 2024, Rohit Bal passed away, making 'Kaaynaat' an even more memorable collection.

“Kaaynaat is a journey through the wonders of nature, celebrating the bloom of life and beauty,” Bal said about his collection. Having all his trademarks—flowing fabrics, intricate embroidery, and vibrant hues with floral motifs, especially roses—'Kaaynaat' was Bal’s final goodbye.

ABRAHAM & THAKORE