FASHION WEEK NATIONAL
NEW DELHI, INDIA
By IFAB MEDIA - NEWS BUREAU - October 12, 2023 | 83 10 minutes read
Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI opened with the 36th edition of the popular GenNext line-up when three winners created magic on the ramp at the “INIFD Presents GenNext” show on 11th October at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.
Nearly 250 designers have been part of the coveted GenNext platform since 2006 that has presented the Indian fashion industry with incredible award winning talent. The GenNext batch included Arnav Malhotra (No Grey Area), Sonam Khetan (Sonam Khetan) and Prasoon Sharma (Triune).
The INIFD presents GenNext program has been recognized for identifying and providing young and talented designers an opportunity to enhance their skills and take centre-stage in the fashion industry.
Introducing the latest cohort of GenNext designers, Harman Dhillon, Vice President at Hindustan Unilever Limited said, “Embracing the future of fashion begins with the creative minds we discover and foster through the INIFD Presents GenNext program at Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI. As we return to Delhi, this season’s GenNext designers represented not only the resilience and creativity of a new era but also our commitment towards identifying, nurturing, and empowering young talents who will sculpt the future of global fashion with the transformative power of artistry. We are thrilled to spotlight the GenNext winners as they unfold their creativity, in line with Lakmé's vision as a fashion forward beauty brand with product lines and collection themes bringing forth a blend of fresh perspectives and avant-garde styles that will illuminate the path for the future of fashion.”
Talking about the GenNext program Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands said, “The INIFD Presents GenNext program offers outstanding young talent in the country a prestigious platform like ours to debut and showcase their work to industry leaders in a competitive fashion environment. For a decade and more, this initiative has successfully introduced remarkable designers, some of whom have achieved recognition in both the Indian and global fashion arenas. From the highly promising entries, the winners of the 36 th batch of GenNext designers have been carefully selected, and I am excited to witness their growth and success in the fashion industry.”
Tisha Khosla, Style Mentor, INIFD said, “INIFD presents GenNext, indeed a remarkable talent discovery program that has consistently provided a valuable platform for aspiring young designers in India. This initiative plays a pivotal role in showcasing their creative talents and aesthetics to a wider audience. An excellent opportunity to gain exposure in the fashion industry, both nationally and internationally. We are thankful to RISE Worldwide and Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI for helping in providing the fresh talent with a splendid platform to not only showcase their designs but also to network with industry professionals, gain insights, and launch their career on a larger scale.”
ARNAV MALHOTRA – NEW AGE FASHION
Arnav Malhotra’s ‘No Grey Area’ was all about New Age Fashion and was created after a solid grounding at the University of Exter and honing his creativity with established labels. Arnav’s collection with the quirky title, “Inconvenience Today for a better Tomorrow” ensured that the fabric waste issue was addressed with a focus on zero waste pattern making.
The fluid silhouettes inspired by the sari were splashed with bright colours, an inspiration of old Madras homes, which influenced Memphis architecture. The popular Kolam drawings were visible as block prints, embroidery, and jacquards. The very gender inclusive line was focused on oversized shisha mirror work, carved wood block printing, as well as oversized Madras checks and tri-coloured ombrés.
Particularly eye-catching was the grey/neon green, ombré, asymmetric robe with fluid, white, wide pants. The boxy, cropped, checked blouse and the draped blue skirt worn with an angular one-shoulder, black creation that had drawstring detailing, created a strong fashion statement.
Arnav Malhotra shared, “It’s been a great honour to have had the opportunity to be part of the INIFD Presents GenNext program. Our focus is on creating pieces that are not overly extravagant but rather a blend of exquisite fabrics and understated elegance. We strive to be bold and expressive while incorporating the fascinating elements of Indian fashion in a new and contemporary light. Being a part Lakmé Fashion Week X FCDI has motivated us to elevate our creative boundaries by exploring new shapes, materials, and pushing the envelope in terms of design.”
Arnav Malhotra’s collection “Inconvenience Today for a better Tomorrow” for his brand ‘No Grey Area’, was all about fashion that projects Indian sensibilities but with an evolving interpretation.
SONAM KHETAN – A FASHIONABLE VISUAL
Sonam Khetan’s eponymous label came to life after her intense training at NIFT, Istituto Marangoni and Central Saint Martins, as well as working with the international and Indian doyens of fashion.
The collection “Listening to the Earth” was a visual presentation of the sounds of earth.
Concentrating on natural fabrics like linen, hemp, khadi, cotton, organic silk and cotton, Sonam worked with a women-led studio that created naturally, hand dyed materials from recycled temple flowers, as well as an NGO that specialised in Japanese Shibori. The intricately crafted 3D fabric texturing was a delight to behold on the neutral toned mini dress. The long-sleeved, mandarin collar, maxi in shades of off-white and brown had a unique feminine quality of style and elegance.
Sonam’s brand based in Paris and Delhi offered ready-to-wear women’s wear that comprised, trans seasonal, timeless ensembles. Each garment was carefully researched and told a story that whispered sounds of forests, lands, rivers, insects, and earth.
Sonam Khetan shared, “The journey started a long time ago, when I dreamt of being a designer. I came back to India in 2020, and I feel the journey has always taught me that learning is a gradual process. INIFD Presents GenNext as a platform has definitely given me a boost to work harder. It has also given me an opportunity to showcase my work and the work of the wonderful craftspeople I collaborate with, and I am grateful for this.”
Carefully hand crafted, Sonam Khetan’s “Listening to the Earth” collection spoke a creative, sustainable fashion tale.
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Sonam Khetan_Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI
PRASOON SHARMA – A TEXTURED FASHION PORTAL
Prasoon Sharma, an alumnus of INIFD created his label ‘Triune’ in 2019 after gathering valuable
experience in the fashion industry. His collection “Bivouac” was all about bringing perfect harmony in earthy tones of green and natural brown with bold emphatic animal prints and motifs.
The message Prasoon unveiled on the ramp was one of co-existence between humans and the environment. The fabric choice was vast with Tencel TM dobby and Satin, along with Ecru denim, twill and TNT khadi, as well as the unique cactus textured hand-woven cotton. The men’s wear line in bold colours comprised Bermudas, shirts with imposing animal and bird prints, biker jackets with extreme surface texturing, as well as denim trousers with unconventional detailing. The use of hand braiding and hand nesting with dori work created a unique 3D texture. The draped cotton doris on denim were hand dyed and stonewashed to present an amazing effect. The intense detailing and patch work added unconventional drama that concentrated on high octane surface treatments.
Prasoon Sharma shared, “INIFD Presents GenNext is one of the most reputable designer mentorship programs in the country, and being launched on the eminent platform of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI is an absolute dream come true. Showcasing my collection, 'Bivouac -Portal to Nature", today was a truly wonderful experience.”
Prasoon Sharma’s collection “Bivouac” for his brand ‘Triune’ was an amalgamation of casual, bohemian vibes but with unabashed creativity and raw elements.