YOUNG DESIGNERS REDEFINE CRAFT AND SUSTAINABILITY AT FDCI LAKME FASHION WEEK

Emerging designers showcased innovation, heritage, and sustainability at FDCI Lakme Fashion Week 2025.

- NOOR ANAND CHAWLA

The change of weather brings with it a slew of fashion weeks around the world.

While this is arguably the best time to take note of fashion trends for the upcoming sartorial season, it’s also a way to scout for new and promising talent in fashion. The latest edition of Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) Lakme Fashion Week 2025, which just concluded in New Delhi’s The Grand hotel, Vasant Kunj, showcased plenty of young talent. We pick our favourites.

MOHAMMED ANAS SHEIKH: 23°N 69°E

Based in Indore, Mohammed Anas Sheikh’s label 23°N 69°E, brought alive the craft of Ajrakh, which he embellished with hand painting and natural dyes. Designs with mirror work added to the appeal, making it a complete representation of the region of Kachch. He used pure kala cotton to make minimalist silhouettes. The Ajrakh blocks used were worn out, as a commentary on the timelessness of this beautiful craft.

ANAM HUSAIN: CUT-PUTLY

Taking inspiration from Rajasthan’s Kathpuli dolls, Anam Husain translated the folklore attached with these handcrafted dolls into her apparel. For this she used sculpted denim, repurposed from 1,000 kgs of post-consumer waste, and made linings from discarded hotel furnishing by combining it with boning, hardware patchwork and experimental draping. Geometric forms mirroring the strings of puppets were evident in her garments, as were silhouettes layered with grainy textures.

PRANITA CHOUDHURY: RECALLING

Pranita Choudhury’s label Gaach, took inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s poem 'Purono Sei Diner Kotha', which translates to 'Memories of the Old Days', for her collection titled 'Recalling'. She used block prints of Gaach in Bengali script along with the Kantha stitch and crewel embroidery on natural fabrics like Eri Silk, Chanderi, Pashmina silk, linen silk and corduroy. She showcased flowing skirts, basic shirts and comfy gilets in vibrant hues.

ANURUPA SAHA AND BARNALI GARAI