Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) opened its much-anticipated edition with an evocative showcase at The Kunj, a space dedicated to celebrating Indian craft and design. The opening presentation featured Anavila, Akaaro, and The Edit by The Kunj, creating a seamless narrative that paid tribute to India’s timeless artisanal heritage.

The showcase set the tone for the week ahead rooted in craftsmanship, sustainability, and innovation. The collaboration between FDCI, Lakmē, and Reliance Brands underscores their continued commitment to supporting artisanal and designer fashion, ensuring that the essence of “Handmade in India, crafted for the world” remains central to the fashion ecosystem.

Supported by DC Handicrafts under the Ministry of Textiles, the setting of The Kunj lent an authentic, immersive backdrop where craft and creativity converged. The evening celebrated the artistry of Indian handloom, weaving together stories through intricate weaves, embroidery, and traditional textiles that stood as a symbol of the country’s cultural continuum.

The Edit by The Kunj - Khamir, Iro Iro, Pieux, Aavaran, Kiniho, Runway Nagaland, Jiyo, Vimor, Shrujan, Vriksh and Mirasi showcased an exquisite selection of handcrafted pieces from age-old ikats and Shibori to pure cottons, pashminas, and intricate Kutch embroideries  each narrating a story of heritage and dexterity passed down through generations.

Amrit Raj, DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, said: “The Kunj was envisioned as a dynamic multidimensional hub where traditional artistry meets contemporary design. Through collaborations like this opening show at Lakmé Fashion Week, we aim to bring the work of our artisans & designer collaboration to the forefront of modern fashion conversations. It is heartening to see platforms like Fashion Design Council of India and Lakmē celebrate the craft sector’s immense contribution to India’s cultural and creative economy.”

Anavila Mishra’s collection “Sarmast” was a meditative exploration of stillness and emotion, inspired by the mystic state of Wajd and the soul of the Deccan. Using handwoven linen, appliquéd satin, and delicate French lace, the collection was a poetic dialogue between tradition and imagination.

Anavila Misra shared “To open Lakmé Fashion Week with Sarmast feels very special — it’s a collection that captures stillness, emotion, and the quiet beauty of craft. It’s a gentle beginning, an invitation to pause and feel the poetry in simplicity, where every weave and detail reflects the soul of the Deccan.”

Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta presented Starlight — a collection that extended the brand’s exploration of material modernity through handwoven silk, khadi silk, cotton, metallic threads, and their signature kinjis. The result was an architectural yet deeply human collection that redefined the language of Indian handloom.

Gaurav Jai Gupta shared: “It is an honour for Akaaro to open Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI this season, and to do so at The Kunj — a space dedicated to Indian craft and its many expressions. Presenting Starlight here feels particularly significant, as the collection continues our ongoing inquiry into how handwoven textiles can embody modernity and emotion in equal measure.”

“To open the week at The Kunj is both an honour and an affirmation — of the relevance of craft today, and of Akaaro’s continuing dialogue at the intersection of textile, design, and thought,” he added.

Speaking on the significance of the opening show, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, FDCI, shared: “Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India, with the support of The Kunj under DC Handicrafts, Ministry of Textiles, is proud to present the Opening Show for this season of fashion week. This collaboration beautifully represents our shared philosophy to preserve, promote, and contemporize Indian crafts, and opening the fashion week with a show that so powerfully highlights the artistry of our artisans reaffirms our belief that India’s creative legacy continues to inspire global conversations in fashion.”

Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmē India, shared,“Lakmē Fashion Week has always been a platform where creativity and craftsmanship come together to shape the future of beauty and fashion in India. At Lakmē, we believe in celebrating the timeless beauty of craft while reimagining it for today’s consumer - rooted in tradition, yet expressive and relevant in the contemporary world. We’re proud to support designers and provide a stage that brings this vision to life.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands, added, “The Opening Show at The Kunj stands as a powerful statement of how far the platform has come in redefining India’s fashion narrative globally. It celebrates creativity without boundaries - uniting innovation, craftsmanship, and collaboration. As we open this new season, we do so with a shared vision to towards supporting the craft and artisanal eco-system.”

The opening show at The Kunj set a profound tone for the week ahead, a celebration of artistry, innovation, and India’s timeless connection to craft.