NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’, a platform that empowers and highlights emerging design talent in India, returns with its eleventh edition this season. The esteemed program has consistently strengthened its reputation for unveiling some of the most innovative and promising designers in the country, offering them the opportunity to present their marquee collections on the runway. In this edition, the program announces Anurag Gupta as the winner, who will showcase his collection at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI during the March 2026 season.

Pic: L to R - Deepit Chugh Anurag Gupta Anjum Khan Arshna Raj Akhil Nagpal Rishabh Kumar 

NEXA’s theme for this edition, ‘Neoterra’, explores the idea of a new earth, a future shaped by conscious innovation, sustainable design, and technological advancements in harmony with nature. Designers are challenged to interpret how fashion can evolve responsibly, embracing next-generation materials and processes while remaining rooted in craft and creativity. The presentations reflect a forward-looking design language that seamlessly merges science, sustainability, and storytelling before a distinguished industry jury.

Anurag Gupta was declared the winner from a line-up of six shortlisted designers that included AKHL by Akhil Nagpal, Anjum Khan, FARAK by Rishabh Kumar, Stoïque, and Line Outline by Deepit Chugh. Each designer introduced their brand through a competitive creative expression aligned with NEXA’s spirit of ‘Create.Inspire.’. As the winning designer, Anurag Gupta will receive a fund from NEXA towards the set design and showcase his collection at the Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI March season.

Anurag Gupta is declared the winner from a line-up of six shortlisted designers that includes AKHL by Akhil Nagpal, Anjum Khan, FARAK by Rishabh Kumar, Stoïque, and Line Outline by Deepit Chugh. Each designer introduces their brand through a competitive creative expression aligned with NEXA’s spirit of ‘Create.Inspire.’ As the winning designer, Anurag Gupta receives a fund from NEXA towards set design and will showcase his collection at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI in the March season.

Anurag Gupta’s winning collection draws inspiration from Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s vivid narratives of nature and movement, reinterpreted through a future-forward technological lens. At its core is an innovative cotton-hemp fabric developed in collaboration with IIT Delhi using plasma technology, positioning hemp as a low-water, pesticide-free alternative to conventional cotton. Crafted through engineered jacquard knitting, the textile innovation supports sustainable development while strengthening hemp-farming livelihoods.

The jury deliberating this season includes industry experts Thomas Cheriyan, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd; Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI;  Rimzim Dadu, Designer; Aindrila Mitra, Editor, Robb Report; and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd.

Commenting on the initiative, Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited said, “At NEXA, we are proud to be a part of initiatives like NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’ that nurture emerging talent while encouraging meaningful innovation in fashion. This season’s theme ‘Neoterra’ challenged designers to rethink the relationship between technology and nature. Anurag Gupta’s collection stood out for its thoughtful integration of advanced textile development and sustainable practices, embodying the progressive spirit that NEXA represents. We eagerly look forward to witnessing his showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI in March 2026.”

Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI said, “Our continued association with NEXA for NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’ reaf irms a shared commitment to fostering new voices in Indian fashion. This season’s presentations were forward-thinking and deeply conscious of the future. Anurag Gupta’s approach merging textile innovation with ecological responsibility particularly resonated with the jury. We look forward to seeing his vision come to life on the runway." 

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd. added, NEXA presents "he Spotlight’ has established itself as an important launchpad for emerging designers over the years. With each edition, the platform uncovers talent that pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Anurag Gupta’s win this season reflects a strong narrative of progress and purpose, and we are excited to see his collection showcased at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI in March 2026.”