Fashion

Luxe Trends & Creative Visions: Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 Unveiled!

As the Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2023 has already unfolded, Hashtag tracks the year’s top releases, equating them to precious works of art. This season’s fashion rendezvous went beyond the runway and had much to offer. It featured a pool of designers aiming for recognition and capitalizing on the influence of ‘Instagram validation.’ Regardless of the fashion industry’s politics, the focus remained on creativity and innovation. The event promised diversity and inclusion while keeping excitement alive and staying ahead of the curve.

Name: GenNext Designers- Prasoon Sharma, Sonam Khetan and Arnav Malhotra

Collection: Bivouac- Portal to Nature, Listening to the Earth, Inconvenience Today for a Better Tomorrow, respectively.

USP: The three INIFD GenNext winners highlight the superiority of craftsmanship over machines, the revival of traditional weaves, sustainable fashion, nature-driven, and more.

One Para:

Prasoon Sharma’s ‘Triune’ label showcased ‘Bivouac,’ focusing on earthy tones, animal prints, and co-existence with nature. Various fabrics were used, including Tencel and hand-woven cotton. The men’s line featured bold designs and unique textures, with hand-braiding, nesting, and 3D effects. The unconventional drama was added through intricate detailing and patchwork, emphasizing high-surface treatments.

Sonam Khetan’s Paris and Delhi-based label offers timeless, ready-to-wear women’s fashion. Her Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 collection, ‘Listening to the Earth,’ emphasized natural fabrics like linen, hemp, khadi, cotton, organic silk, and hand-dyed materials. Collaborating with women-led studios and an NGO, the collection featured intricate 3D fabric texturing, showcased beautifully in neutral-toned mini dresses and elegant, long-sleeved maxis in off-white and brown.

Arnav Malhotra’s Lakmé Fashion Week 2023 collection, ‘Inconvenience Today for a Better Tomorrow,’ focuses on zero-waste pattern making. Inspired by the sari and Madras homes, the line features bold colours and Kolam drawings as block prints. It’s gender-inclusive, with oversized shisha mirror work, woodblock prints, Madras checks, and ombrés. Notable pieces include a grey/neon green ombré robe with wide white pants and a statement one-shoulder creation with drawstring detailing.

Name: Samant Chauhan

Collection: The Ice Watch

USP: Samant Chauhan excels in blending Bhagalpur silk with modern weaving techniques while championing sustainability and fair trade in fashion.

One Para: Renowned designer Samant Chauhan is known for his fusion of Bhagalpur silk with modern weaving techniques. His ‘Ice Watch’ collection at Lakmé Fashion Week combined delicate glacier-inspired designs with an environmental message. The collection featured an ethereal colour palette, from blue to white and grey, transitioning gracefully from Bhagalpur silk to organza and cotton silks. Samant’s feminine designs included swirling skirts, intricate geometric patterns, and various necklines and sleeve styles. He is acclaimed for his intricate embellishments, promoting sustainability and fair trade practices. The collection offered a range of fashion choices, from regal trench coats to bridal wear, catering to diverse tastes while emphasizing eco-conscious fashion.

Name: David Abraham & Rakesh Thakore

Collection: Body Language

USP: Abraham & Thakore’s USP is their mastery of minimalism and innovative fashion communication, combining numbers, alphabets, and symbols to make a creative and social statement.

One Para: The ‘Masters of Minimalism,’ David Abraham and Rakesh Thakore, from the Abraham & Thakore label, took a creative approach to fashion communication at Lakmé Fashion Week 2023. Their collection, ‘Body Language,’ primarily in black and white, featured a captivating mix of numbers, alphabets, and symbols, exploring modern communication in our digital era. They incorporated braille, morse codes, and letters into their designs, blending ikat, Ajrakh, brocades, badla sequins, and laser-cut work for a playful yet socially insightful collection. The runway showcased a blend of formal and casual wear, from classic white shirts to sharp pantsuits and even a sari with a bowtie for a unique touch, all while maintaining timeless silhouettes with creative symbolism.

Name: Karishma Shahani Khan (KA-SHA)

Collection: Milan

USP: Karishma Shahani Khan’s USP lies in her talent for merging individuality and synergy, crafting relaxed yet elegant silhouettes inspired by nature and manmade structures with vibrant colours and intricate embellishments.

One Para: The ‘Ka-sha’ brand, led by Karishma Shahani Khan, showcased their Milan collection at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, drawing inspiration from Khalil Gibran’s words on marriage. The collection explored the beauty of individuality and synergy in nature, manmade structures, and familiar shapes. Luxurious Chanderi silk, Kala cotton, and cotton were used in a vibrant colour palette. ‘Ka-sha’ continued its tradition of intricate embellishments, incorporating beading, hand embroidery, and appliqués. The collection featured relaxed yet fluid and feminine silhouettes with mix-and-match possibilities.

Name: Reby Jindal

Collection: Guapa

USP: ‘Guapa’ specializes in sustainable, bold, and relaxed fashion inspired by the desert oasis, offering versatile and feminine silhouettes with an eco-conscious approach, including innovative, eco-friendly materials like ‘Econyl’ yarn and Cupro.

One Para: The ‘Guapa’ collection at Lakmé Fashion Week, in collaboration with FDCI, embodies bold, relaxed, and sustainable fashion, drawing inspiration from the desert oasis. It features feminine, draped silhouettes and tailored ensembles in earthy tones and vibrant hues. ‘Guapa’ emphasizes sustainability with biodegradable fabrics and upcycling, including garments made from regenerated ‘Econyl’ yarn that adds durability, chlorine resistance, and SPF protection.

The resort wear line includes dresses, co-ord sets, kaftans, swimsuits, and more, catering to various holiday moods. The collection also extends its chic styling to men’s beachwear, featuring resort shirts, shorts, lungis, tees, and robes. Influencers Radhika Seth, Meghna Kaur, and Malvika Sitlani showcased swimwear and stylish beach attire, making ‘Guapa’ the go-to choice for this season’s holiday wardrobes.

Name: Vani Vats

Collection: Piroi

USP: Vani Vats, the designer behind ‘Vvani,’ is renowned for crafting bridal collections that symbolize love, trust, and companionship, offering modern brides versatile and memorable trousseaus.

One Para: Vani Vats of ‘Vvani’ presented ‘Piroi,’ a collection designed for the modern bride seeking a memorable trousseau. Inspired by the intertwining threads of love, trust, and companionship in marriage, the collection used mirrors and pearls to symbolize harmony. It showcased sensuous fabrics like georgette, silk organza, net, and crépe in an array of elegant colours. ‘Piroi’ caters to every wedding occasion, from mehndi ceremonies to grand receptions, offering a range of saris, lehengas, cholis, kurtas, and fusion wear. The collection culminated with a graceful runway appearance by Tamannaah Bhatia in a glitzy, tasseled lehenga.

Name: Aneeth Arora

Collection: Cuckoo & Co.

USP: Aneeth Arora’s Péro collection ‘Cuckoo & Co.’ defies conformity with vivid colours and unique 3D designs, incorporating diverse craftsmanship and sustainability through global artisan collaborations and European partnerships.

One Para: Aneeth Arora, the designer behind the celebrated brand Péro, presented the ‘Cuckoo & Co.’ collection at Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. Inspired by the 1930s and a celebration of misfits and eccentrics, the collection defied conformity with vivid colours, psychedelic patterns, and unruly stripes. Using various techniques, the garments featured 3D floral motifs, medallions, and geometric forms. Hand-woven materials like Mashru, silk, cotton, and pure wool were transformed into jackets, skirts, shirts, and more, highlighting gingham checks, bold stripes, prints, and colour blocking. Collaborations with global artisans added diverse craftsmanship, while European partners contributed to sustainability and unique accessories.

October 31, 2023

Met Gala 2025: Tailoring, Tradition & Trailblazers How Indian Stars Redefined the Red Carpet

The 2025 Met Gala dazzled with its theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, a celebration of precision tailoring, cultural identity, and the elegance of Black dandyism. From custom sherwanis to futuristic corsets, Hashtag Magazine shares some standout moments and key style takeaways from a night where tailoring met timelessness. Key Fashion Takeaways from the 2025 Met Gala Theme: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” The 2025 Met Gala red carpet was a masterclass in tailored elegance, artistry, and personal expression. Celebrating Black dandyism and the power of tailoring, this year’s looks blended historical homage with modern flair, resulting in a parade of bold silhouettes, precision cuts, and inventive interpretations of classic menswear. Tailoring as Art Tailoring took centre stage, not just in the form of suits but as a vehicle for storytelling. Think asymmetrical lapels, reimagined tuxedos, and sculptural drapes. Both men and women leaned into sharply cut silhouettes with exaggerated shoulders, nipped waists, and dramatic fabric plays. Menswear Reimagined Menswear wasn’t just for men. Female celebrities, too, embraced power dressing through androgynous ensembles blazers, wide-leg trousers, and three-piece suits, often styled with pearls, hats, and luxe textures like velvet and silk. Hyper-Personalised Couture Custom-fitted, one-of-a-kind garments were the norm. Designers focused on craftsmanship and personal narrative every stitch, pleat, and detail tailored to the wearer’s identity and story. Ethical Fashion The red carpet dress code, aptly titled “Tailored For You,” encouraged guests to embrace sharp suiting, personalised silhouettes, and expressive detail. True to the spirit, Indian celebrities brought their A-game merging tradition, innovation, and individuality on one of the world’s most-watched fashion stages. Indian Celebrities Who Stole the Spotlight Shah Rukh KhanMaking history as the first Indian male actor to walk the Met Gala red carpet, SRK arrived in a regal black Sabyasachi sherwani updated with futuristic accents. A rhinestone studded ‘K’

Fashion

Varsha Chaturvedi’s Journey of Transformation

In a world where change is often feared, Varsha Chaturvedi embraced transformation with grace, grit, and unshakable determination. Her journey is not just one of personal growth, it is a story of reclaiming identity, defying societal expectations, and inspiring countless others to take control of their lives. Born and raised in a traditional family in Rajasthan, Varsha’s early life followed a path that many women in India are expected to tread: academic excellence, a conventional marriage, and settling into the role of a homemaker. But beneath the quiet rhythm of domestic life, Varsha harbored a restless spirit. She always knew she was meant for more not out of dissatisfaction, but out of an innate desire to explore her full potential. Breaking the Mold It wasn’t an overnight shift. Varsha’s transformation began subtly—through books, self-reflection, and engaging with women’s forums. She became increasingly aware of the silent struggles women endure, particularly in balancing personal dreams with family responsibilities. Rather than resigning, she began asking bold questions: “Why not me?” “What if I tried?” That inner voice led her to step out of her comfort zone and pursue public speaking, health and wellness, and social impact work. But her greatest breakthrough came when she entered the world of pageantry not as a means of glamor, but as a platform for expression and empowerment. The Pageant That Changed Everything In 2022, Varsha registered for a regional beauty pageant under the Mrs. category. It was an unconventional move for a woman who had never imagined herself on stage, in heels, under the spotlight. Yet, it was in that bold step that she discovered a version of herself she hadn’t met before: confident, articulate, and unapologetically ambitious. Though she didn’t win the crown that year, the experience became a turning point. She trained in grooming,

Fashion

From Gym To Brunch: How To Style Skorts For Every Occasion

Modern women, especially nestled in the hustle and bustle of city life, tend to attend different occasions. Be it an early morning workout session, weekend brunch with friends, or accompanying a fitness freak buddy to the gym, Indian women look for clothing that moves as seamlessly as she does. While many choices are available in the market, finding chic and comfortable active wear can be a hassle for many. Thankfully, one stylish essential has been winning hearts for its innovative design and adaptability: the Skort. As the focus on stylish and dynamic dressing is on the rise, finding the best skorts for women has become a smart trend. It combines the beauty of a skirt with the design of shorts that complement its adaptability on every occasion you go. Moreover, it effortlessly helps women transition from regular outings to workouts and get-togethers. In the following blog, let us explore how you can bring out the best for almost every occasion. Why Skorts Are The Ultimate Versatile Apparel? Before we discuss styling inspirations, it is vital to understand why such clothing (skorts) deserves a place in your closet. Interestingly, the average Indian woman is expected to shop approximately 9.3 pieces in 2025. This highlights the growing demand for practical and versatile fashion choices. Moreover, such a trend reflects how modern women are seeking wardrobe staples that easily adapt to their fast-paced lives, and skorts can easily accommodate that evolving preference. Here are some factors that give a clear picture of its versatility: Fashionable activewear blends athletic function with great appeal, allowing you to move freely without feeling self-conscious. Whether you’re stretching in the gym or just reaching for a coffee cup on a busy morning, it keeps you confident and comfortable. One of the most impressive aspects is its inclusive design. With a silhouette

Fashion

7 Summer Fashion Trends that are Dominating 2025

The sun’s blazing, vacations are calling, and the fashion world is already glowing with the season’s freshest energy. Summer 2025 is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation — think throwbacks to the 2000s, a celebration of slow fashion, and a whole lot of personality. We break down the seven standout trends that are shaping the hottest wardrobes right now. Ready to dive in? Pastels are nothing new, but this year, they’re showing up in elevated ways. From silky slip dresses in butter yellow to oversized blazers in cloudy lilac, Pastelcore 2.0 feels both playful and polished. Designers are layering pastels over sheer whites and styling them with sleek, minimalist accessories. It’s the kind of wardrobe that feels like a soft-serve sundae on a hot day — light, dreamy, and just right. Must-haves: Pistachio wrap tops, lilac trousers, butter-yellow mules Deconstructed denim is the anti-basic staple of 2025. We’re talking asymmetric cuts, frayed hems, and multi-tone patchwork. Low-rise jeans are making a controversial comeback (yes, again), but this time with more relaxed fits and artful distressing. Even denim corsets and trench coats are in rotation, proving denim isn’t just casual, its cool couture. Style tip: Pair baggy denim cargos with a satin tank and kitten heels for that grunge-glam finish. Whether or not you’re on a beach, Resortcore says you’re mentally there. Lightweight linens, crochet bikinis doubling as crop tops, breezy co-ords, and oversized straw hats are everywhere. Raffia totes and shell jewellery give this aesthetic that effortlessly wanderlust vibe. What to wear: Linen shorts + halter tops, kaftan dresses, strappy flat sandals One of the most surprising trends this year is the merger of bohemian silhouettes with techwear sensibilities. Smart fabrics that cool you down, UV-sensitive colour shifts, and pocket-heavy flowy fits are giving summer dressing a futuristic upgrade.