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

Alfiya Karim Khan: Mumbai YouTuber Redefining Modest Fashion and Digital Influence

Alfiya Karim Khan grew up in Mumbai in a family where education was non-negotiable, and ambition was encouraged, so long as it followed a conventional path. Academically strong, medicine seemed almost predetermined for her. But internally, she felt drawn elsewhere. “Deep down, I always knew my life did not belong in a hospital corridor,” she says. “It belonged in the creative industry.” Choosing to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Media instead of medicine was met with hesitation and doubt. Coming from a background where most women were financially dependent, she had rarely seen female entrepreneurship firsthand. That absence became fuel. “Every time someone questioned whether content creation was serious, it pushed me to take it more seriously,” she reflects. What began quietly in her bedroom evolved into financial independence and professional stability. Today, her work represents more than a career; it symbolises “choosing conviction over comfort.” A Cultural Voice in Modest Fashion Alfiya identifies as a digital entrepreneur and a cultural voice within the modest fashion space. A decade ago, the online fashion landscape felt misaligned with her personal style. “I did not want to shape-shift just to belong,” she explains. “I decided to build around my authenticity instead of bending away from it.” Over the past 10 years, she has collaborated with global and legacy brands, been recognised among Forbes’ Top 100 Digital Stars, and represented modest fashion at Paris Couture Week. For her, these milestones represent more than visibility; they signal representation. “This is not just fashion content,” she says. “It is about showing that ambition and values can coexist.” Reinterpreting, Not Rejecting At its core, her work reinterprets mainstream fashion through a modest lens. Rather than rejecting trends, she modifies them, layering strategically and reshaping silhouettes. “Fashion does not have to be abandoned to align with

Fashion

Tiara Dhody: Inspired by Heritage, Driven by Design

Tiara Dhody is a Mumbai-based founder and the creative force behind Treasures by Tiara. She studied at Cathedral and John Connon School, the United World College in Singapore, and later at Sarah Lawrence College, experiences that shaped her global perspective and independent thinking. Growing up in a household where fashion and design were part of everyday conversation, she was naturally immersed in aesthetics. Influenced by her mother, Queenie Dhody, and Raja Dhody, she absorbed a visual language early on. Yet, she credits her broader worldview to quieter influences. “Beyond formal education, I feel most shaped by the books I read, the films I watch, the places I travel to, and the people I surround myself with,” she says. “All of it quietly filters into my work.” Jewellery as Intimate Expression Tiara has chosen the path of self-expression, and for her, jewellery is one of the most intimate mediums through which to access it. “It’s something you can wear, feel, and move with; it becomes part of your story,” she explains. She also describes a more intangible element: “There’s something cosmic about it, the way certain pieces seem to find you at the right time.” In India, jewellery carries memory. It is passed down, inherited, gifted, layered with sentiment and history. That cultural weight deeply informs her design philosophy. “What sets my work apart is the balance between meaning and wearability,” she notes. The pieces are expressive without being loud, crafted to feel personal and enduring rather than purely ornamental. Many associate her designs with strong feminine energy, detailed craftsmanship, and jewellery that feels lived-in rather than showcased. Designed to Be Lived In Treasures by Tiara approaches jewellery differently. It is not created to be stored away for weddings or rare occasions; it is designed to be worn daily. “The idea

Fashion

Fashion Trends 2026 for India

As India’s fashion ecosystem matures at the intersection of culture, technology, and sustainability, 2026 is poised to be a defining year. Below is a structured outlook on the key fashion trends expected to shape India this year… Sustainable Fashion Becomes the Default, Not the Differentiator By 2026, sustainability will no longer be a niche or premium positioning in India—it will be an expectation. Materials: Increased adoption of organic cotton, bamboo blends, banana fibre, hemp, and recycled polyester. Practices: Circular fashion models—resale, repair, and upcycling, and rental— gain mainstream traction. Consumer mindset: Shoppers demand transparency around sourcing, labour practices, and carbon footprint. Brands that fail to integrate sustainability at the core level risk losing relevance, particularly among Gen Z and urban millennials. Indian Craft Revival with a Modern Lens Indian fashion in 2026 doesn’t abandon tradition; it reinvents it: Handloom fabrics and artisanal textiles such as khadi, chanderi, and bandhani are being updated with modern cuts and silhouettes. Ethnic pieces like sharara and gharara bottoms return with drama and movement, balanced by shorter kurtas or attached cape drapes. Indo-western blends—co-ord sets, dhoti pants with crop tops, and sari gowns—continue to appeal to younger gen. This trend reflects India’s fashion duality: honouring heritage while embracing global styling sensibilities. Fluid Fashion and Gender-Inclusive Design Gender boundaries in Indian fashion continue to dissolve, becoming more visible and commercially viable in 2027 Silhouettes: Kurta dresses, dhoti pants, oversized shirts, co-ord sets, and draped forms designed without gender labels. Retail evolution: Gender-neutral sections in both online and offline stores. Cultural impact: Particularly strong among urban youth and creative professionals. This shift reflects broader social acceptance and a move toward personal expression over conformity. Statement Accessories and Maximalist Flourishes While minimalism remains influential, accessories in 2027 are loud and expressive: Brooches, once relegated to formals, have made

Fashion

The Rise of the New Gen at Lakmē Fashion Week 2025

A new wave of designers is redefining the landscape of Indian fashion one that values purpose as much as aesthetics. At Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI’s GenNext 2025, presented by NIF Global, we recently saw emerging talents that are fusing storytelling, sustainability, and cultural heritage to craft a more conscious, expressive future for design. Hashtag Magazine spotlights the rising stars who are weaving purpose into every thread the designers shaping not just what we wear, but why we wear it. This year’s GenNext 2025 cohort proves that the next generation isn’t just creating clothes they’re crafting conversations. From denim rebirths and handcrafted heritage to poetic sustainability and textile innovation, these visionaries are transforming Indian fashion into an art form rooted in authenticity, emotion, and soul. 1. Designer: Anam Hussain Label: Anam HussainCollection: Cut-PutlyUSP: A conceptual, sustainable exploration of empowerment through design. Inspired by Rajasthan’s Kathputlis the puppets that dance between control and liberation Anam Hussain’s Cut-Putly examines power, agency, and freedom through geometry and form. Structured, angular silhouettes represent restraint, while oversized shapes express release and individuality. The collection’s strength lies in its sustainability: over 1,000 kilograms of post-consumer denim waste was transformed through patchwork, crocheting, and hand-weaving into sculptural garments that balance grit with grace. For Hussain, waste isn’t discarded matter it’s creative potential. With hints of crochet handbags and accessories in development, Cut-Putly sets the tone for a label that is as thoughtful as it is experimental. 2. Designer: Mohammed Anas Sheikh Label: 23°N 69°ECollection: Unnamed (Kachchh-Inspired)USP: A poetic revival of Kachchh’s indigenous craft, rooted in minimalism and authenticity. Mohammed Anas Sheikh’s collection celebrates Kachchh’s artisanal spirit weaving its heritage into modern silhouettes that exude quiet strength. Centered around Kala cotton, a rain-fed indigenous fibre, his pieces highlight broken Ajrakh block prints, mirror work embroidery, and hand-dyed hues