Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), announces the winners of the 40th edition of the “NIF Global Presents GenNext”

program. The platform unveils its 40th lineup of winners: Mohammed Anas Sheikh, Anam Husain and Pranita Choudhury who have earned the prestigious opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking collections at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI.

The winners of the NIF Global presents GenNext program represent a bold new wave of emerging designers, each showcasing a distinctive creative language grounded in innovation and individuality.

Renowned for its dedication to nurturing next-generation talent, the platform continues to provide a transformative journey empowering young designers to define their voice, hone their craft, and establish their presence in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.

Lakmē, FDCI, Reliance and NIF Global have been the driving force behind the GenNext platform, shaping the future of Indian fashion for nearly two decades. With 39 successful editions, the program has launched the careers of over 250 designers—many of whom have earned acclaim on global stages.

Noteworthy alumni such as Rahul Mishra, Masaba Gupta, Kunal Rawal, Siddhartha Bansal, and Rimzim Dadu all began their journeys with NIF Global presents GenNext and have since carved distinct, powerful identities in the fashion world.

The NIF Global presents GenNext program consistently sees strong participation from emerging designers nationwide. For this edition, the shortlisted designers presented their work to a respected jury consisting of - Tina Tahiliani, Executive Director, Ensemble; Ainee Nizami Ahmedi, Editor-in-Chief, ELLE India; Priyanka Kapadia, Celebrity Stylist; Nachiket Barve, Fashion Designer; Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmē; Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands and Sabina Chopra, NIF Global GenNext Mentor. 

Welcoming a fresh wave of talent through the NIF Global Presents GenNext program, Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President at Lakmē, shared, “The NIF Global Presents GenNext initiative remains a cornerstone of the Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI journey. Each season, we are excited to witness a new cohort of dynamic young designers bringing their vision to the runway. The program continues to play a transformative role, of ering India’s emerging fashion talent a powerful launchpad, nurturing innovation, and fostering creativity across the country. At Lakmē, we remain deeply committed to championing fresh perspectives and shaping a diverse, future-ready fashion landscape both nationally and globally.”

Shaunik Khosla, Business Head, NIF Global, added,“At NIF Global, we have always been committed to nurturing young talent, and our collaboration with Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI through the GenNext platform allows us to do just that. Season after season, we take pride in providing aspiring designers with the opportunity to showcase their creativity on this prestigious stage, empowering them to debut and make their mark in the fashion industry. ‘NIF Global presents GenNext’ is known for featuring fresh wave of creativity in Indian fashion and presenting a display of innovation and artistry. NIF Global continue to support the emerging talent of designers, providing a platform for their expression.”

Speaking on the NIF Global Presents GenNext program Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands said, “The NIF Global presents GenNext program has long been central to platform’s commitment to championing emerging talent and the premier designer discovery program in India.This year’s winners bring bold perspectives and a distinct design language—further reinforcing our belief in the power of nurturing young voices to push boundaries and reimagine what’s next.”

40 TH BATCH OF NIF Global PRESENTS GENNEXT DESIGNERS:

In image: Designer Mohammed Anas Sheikh, Founder of 23°N 69°E

Information on the designer and the collection:
Designer Name: Mohammed Anas Sheikh
Brand Name: 23°N 69°E
City: Indore
For Fall/Winter 2025, 23n69e blends Ajrakh, hand painting,
and natural dyes while introducing the craft of mirror work. Rooted in
Kachchh, the collection explores new silhouettes with craft at its core,
celebrating handmade traditions and evolving artisanal expression.

In image: Model sporting garment by 23°N 69°E

In image: Designer Anam Husain, Founder of ANAM HUSAIN

Information on the designer and the collection:
Designer Name: Anam Husain
Brand Name: ANAM HUSAIN
City: New Delhi
Metaphorizing patriarchy through Rajasthan’s
Kathputlis, this collection throws a contemporary lens
on the folklore of dolls carrying souls. Geometric
forms mirror puppet-string tension, caged silhouettes
evoke feminine poise and movement restraint, and
layered, grainy textures of repurposed denim echo the
slow natural erosion of metal, clay, and fabric over
time.

In image: Model sporting garment by ANAM HUSAIN

In image: Designer Pranita Choudhury, Founder of GAACH

Information on the designer and the collection:
Designer Name: Pranita Choudhury
Brand Name: GAACH
City: ASSAM
“PURONO SEI DINER KOTHA” reimagines Rabindranath
Tagore’s nostalgic and poetic journey into fading memories,
tenderness of old friendship and the warm melancholy of
revisiting the past. The collection is imagined through the
textures of the past—like forgotten letters, pressed leaves, and
vintage embellishments.

In image: Model sporting garment by GAACH