Fashion

Lakmé Fashion Week 2026: Designers Shaping the Future of Indian Fashion

At Lakmé Fashion Week March 2026, Indian fashion moved beyond spectacle into a more process-driven, thoughtful era. This season wasn’t just about trends; it was about how clothes are made, who makes them, and why they matter. From artisanal revival to futuristic textiles, designers showcased a powerful blend of sustainability and innovation. Hashtag magazine gives you the key highlights

Péro by Aneeth Arora: Out of Office

Background: Known for “international clothing with an Indian heart,” Aneeth Arora focuses on artisanal, handmade textiles.

Collection Spotlight: The runway was transformed into a theatrical office space complete with desks and telephones. The collection used a strict palette of blue and white to reimagine rigid workwear as playful, comfortable attire.

USP: Sartorial theatre that addressed the modern work-life balance through hand-embroidered, “carefree” garments.

Manish Malhotra: Luxury Prêt & Accessories Debut

Background: India’s premier bridal couturier, Malhotra, is famous for his cinematic glamour and association with Bollywood.

Collection Spotlight: This show marked his first dedicated luxury prêt (ready-to-wear) line and the launch of MM Accessories. The collection focused on “Quiet Luxury”, multi-wear separates and travel-ready couture.

USP: Lifestyle Branding. A pivot from heavy bridal couture to a versatile, modern wardrobe that maintains his signature “timeless glamour”.

AFEW by Rahul Mishra: White Gold

Background: Mishra is a global pioneer in sustainable luxury and was the first Indian to win the International Woolmark Prize.

Collection Spotlight: In partnership with SUPIMA, this collection explored the ecology of cotton. Motifs included dragonflies, marigolds, and insects, all hand-embroidered on fine cotton and Chanderi weaves.

USP: “Cotton into Couture.” Repositioning humble cotton as a high-luxury fibre through artisanal density and a quieter, more restrained aesthetic.

Amit Aggarwal: Orizon

Background: A master of structured, architectural fashion who uses recycled materials and signature metallic polymer strips.

Collection Spotlight: In collaboration with Indriya Jewels, Aggarwal presented Orizon, inspired by light as a transformative force. It featured sculptural silhouettes in Banarasi weaves paired with heritage Polki jewellery.

USP: Illuminated Structure. The seamless integration of futuristic, engineered garments with traditional Indian heritage jewellery.

Satya Paul x Aditi Rao Hydari: Capsule Collection

Background: Satya Paul is legendary for its bold, narrative prints.
Aditi Rao Hydari
stepped in as the brand’s Co-Creative Director.
Collection Spotlight: The collection merged the brand’s iconic dragonfly and floral motifs with modern layering like sheer bomber jackets and trench coats.
USP: Celebrity Authorship. Moving beyond a celebrity showstopper to true design collaboration, creating a “lived-in elegance” that transitions from daywear to occasionwear.

Notable Designers & Collections

Payal Pratap: Memories Pressed in Time

Background: Known for her craft-rooted aesthetic and effortless silhouettes, Pratap often draws from personal nostalgia and nature.

Collection Spotlight: This was her first-ever all-denim collection. Using sustainable R|Elan fabrics, she treated denim as a “living canvas,” featuring cyanotype-inspired botanical prints and “fossil-like” floral impressions.

USP: The transformation of rugged denim into poetic, archival garments through intricate handwork and sustainable textile technology.

Kartik Research: India Runway Debut

Background: Founded by Kartik Kumra in 2021, the label is celebrated globally for restoring “humanness” to clothing through direct collaboration with local artisans.

Collection Spotlight: Marking his first-ever show in India, Kumra used Bhujodi khadi, Rabari embroidery, and hand knitting from Almora. The silhouettes were clean and tailored but finished with layered textures and patchwork.

USP: A “quiet, introspective energy” that successfully positioned traditional Indian craft within a modern, global menswear context.

Anamika Khanna: AK|OK

Background: An industry veteran and the first Indian woman to showcase at Paris Fashion Week, Khanna is a master of blending Indian craft with global silhouettes.

Collection Spotlight: Her opening night showcase featured the White Gold collection, celebrating 20 years of her label. It introduced fluid drapes, tropical prints, and a major foray into fluid menswear.

USP: “Democracy” in design and experience, featuring a seating plan that gave every guest a front-row view and clothes designed to blur gender boundaries.

Aisha Rao: Inter-Hana

Background: Based in Hyderabad, Rao is recognised for her maximalist approach to colour and intricate surface design.

Collection Spotlight: Inspired by Japanese artist Fumi Imamura, the collection blended Japanese minimalism with Indian craft. It featured an in-house developed “engineered mesh” that mimicked floral textures.

USP: The concept of “in-betweenness,” where structural interdependence meets soft, detailed floral motifs in a high-glam, maximalist format.

Bhumika Sharma: Afterglow

Background: Sharma is known for her romantic, feminine aesthetic that often features vintage-inspired prints and modern luxury tailoring.

Collection Spotlight: A showcase of modern femininity featuring romantic textures and subtle prints. The collection focused on dreamy, ethereal qualities intended for high-glamour occasions.

USP: The juxtaposition of sculptural forms with heritage-style luxury, creating a “vintage romance” feel for the contemporary woman.

GenNext: The Class of 2026–Emerging & Special Showcases

The Boys Club”: Dedicated Menswear Showcase

Background: A curated segment featuring four distinct brands: Countrymade, Dhruv Vaish, Sahil Aneja, and Vivek Karunakaran.

Collection Spotlight: The showcase moved menswear away from “wedding wear” into utility-chic and relaxed tailoring. Countrymade used military-inspired silhouettes with hand-stitched detailing, while Vivek Karunakaran focused on “fluid luxury” using lightweight linens and silks.

USP: The “New Masculinity.” A focus on gender-fluid silhouettes and high-utility garments that bridge the gap between street style and luxury.

Navdhara Khadi: Modernising the Freedom Fabric

Background: A collaborative showcase by the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) featuring veteran designers Samant Chauhan, Shruti Sancheti, and Pawan Sachdeva.

Collection Spotlight: Each designer reinterpreted Khadi (hand-spun cotton). Samant Chauhan used his signature embroidery on raw khadi silks, while Pawan Sachdeva created structured, sporty khadi jackets.

USP: Textile Versatility. Proving that Khadi is not just a “political” fabric but a high-fashion textile capable of structured tailoring and intricate evening wear.

Circular Design Challenge (CDC): Winner – CRCLE

Background: A global award recognising designers who incorporate circularity (recycling, upcycling, and ethical sourcing) into their core business model.

Collection Spotlight: CRCLE presented a collection entirely made from pre-consumer textile waste and deadstock fabrics, transformed into high-concept outerwear.

USP: Radical Transparency. Every garment featured a QR code that allowed buyers to track the source of the recycled materials and the artisans involved.

Major Takeaways: What We Learned

The Democratisation of Luxury (Ready-to-Wear Over Couture)

For years, Indian fashion weeks were dominated by heavy, “once-in-a-lifetime” bridal lehengas. This year, the focus shifted to High-End Prêt (Ready-to-Wear).

The Concept: Designers like Manish Malhotra and Anamika Khanna moved toward “investment pieces”, versatile blazers, silk trousers, and structured shirts that can be worn multiple times.

The Impact: Luxury is no longer reserved for the wedding aisle; it is now designed for the boardroom, luxury travel, and high-end social gatherings. The “unreachable” designer aesthetic is now becoming part of a daily, high-quality wardrobe.

The Global Rise of Indian Menswear

Menswear was the breakout star of 2026. Previously a supporting act, it took centre stage through dedicated segments like “The Boys Club” and major solo launches.

New Masculinity: The silhouettes moved away from stiff, traditional sherwanis toward fluid tailoring. Think oversized trench coats made of Khadi, sheer shirts, and draped trousers.

Mainstream Integration: Almost every major headliner, including Payal Pratap and Rahul Mishra, integrated menswear into their primary showcases, proving that the modern Indian man is now a primary driver of luxury consumption.

The “Indigo and Ivory” Colour Story

While Indian fashion is usually associated with a riot of colours, March 2026 saw a sophisticated, restrained palette dominated by Blue and White.

The Aesthetic: Led by Péro’s Grand Finale, the runway was flooded with deep indigos, sky blues, and crisp whites. This “Indigo Wave” reflected a sense of calm and professionalism.

Symbolism: This palette choice reinforced the “workwear” and “global traveller” themes, moving away from ethnic bolds toward colours that resonate with international fashion standards.

“Invisible” Sustainability & Circularity

Sustainability is no longer a “niche” category at the event; it has become an invisible standard.

Beyond Organic Cotton: Designers moved toward Circular Design. The winner of the Circular Design Challenge, CRCLE, used 100% pre-consumer textile waste to create high-fashion outerwear.

Traceability: A major takeaway was Transparency. Several collections featured QR codes on tags that allowed buyers to see the entire journey of the garment, from the weaver in a village to the final stitch in the studio. This tech-driven sustainability aims to build trust with a more conscious, younger generation of buyers.

The “Phygital” Narrative & Immersive Storytelling

The shows were no longer just models walking in a straight line; they were theatrical experiences.

The Office Set: Péro turned the runway into a chaotic office to tell a story of escaping corporate life.

Heritage Tech: Amit Aggarwal used light and structural engineering to blend futuristic silhouettes with ancient jewellery, creating a narrative that spanned centuries.

The Takeaway: Fashion in 2026 is about selling a story and an emotion, not just a garment. Brands are realising that consumers want to “experience” the brand’s world.

April 13, 2026

Gold Is Back: Why Classic Jewellery Is Regaining Its Shine in 2026

For the past decade, the jewellery industry has seen waves of change. Artificial jewellery, minimalist designs, and the rapid rise of lab-grown diamonds have transformed consumer preferences, especially among younger buyers looking for affordable luxury. Yet in 2026, gold jewellery is quietly reclaiming its throne. From weddings to everyday fashion and even men’s accessories, gold is experiencing a powerful resurgence not just as ornamentation, but as a trusted investment. The Investment Factor One of the biggest reasons for gold jewellery’s comeback is simple: stability. While diamonds and lab-grown alternatives have gained popularity due to affordability, they often lack strong resale value. Gold, on the other hand, remains a tangible asset that can be sold, exchanged, or passed down generations. This financial security has made gold increasingly attractive to modern buyers who want jewellery that doubles as an investment. During recent wedding seasons in India, jewellers have reported rising demand for plain gold jewellery in 22K, 18K and 14K forms as buyers prioritise long-term value over heavily diamond-studded pieces. With gold prices steadily climbing in recent years, many consumers now view gold jewellery as a form of wearable wealth something that carries emotional significance while also retaining monetary value. Celebrity Influence and the Wedding Effect Celebrity culture continues to play a major role in shaping jewellery trends. A recent example is the high-profile wedding of actors Rashmika Mandanna and Vijay Deverakonda, which sparked widespread discussion about heritage jewellery. The couple’s wedding looks prominently featured elaborate handcrafted gold pieces inspired by South Indian temple architecture. Rashmika reportedly wore eleven pieces of traditional gold jewellery, while Vijay made headlines for embracing bold groom jewellery including layered necklaces, ear studs, cuffs and other royal-inspired ornaments. Their wedding highlighted something significant: gold jewellery is no longer just for brides. Men Are Embracing Jewellery Again Historically,

Fashion

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