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

Naeth: Contemporary Fashion by Kerala Designers Jithu & Vishnu

Founded by mechanical engineering graduates and classmates Jithu Gopakumar and Vishnu Girija Gopal, Naeth is a contemporary fashion label from Kerala that bridges heritage with modern design. Inspired by the state’s rich textile traditions, the duo transforms handloom into contemporary silhouettes through innovative fabrics, technical textiles, and thoughtful craftsmanship. Their vision is simple yet powerful: to make India’s weaving traditions relevant for today’s generation while preserving the stories behind every thread. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. At Naeth, we reinterpret traditional handloom through contemporary fashion. Our collections transform heritage textiles into modern, wearable silhouettes that appeal to younger audiences while preserving the craftsmanship, stories, and cultural significance woven into every fabric. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with? We work closely with the weavers of Balaramapuram, Kerala, a community renowned for its centuries-old weaving tradition. Their handcrafted sarees and mundus are celebrated for their precision, purity, and exceptional craftsmanship, making every textile a reflection of Kerala’s rich cultural legacy. 3.How does your brand support sustainability and responsible craftsmanship? Sustainability is central to our design philosophy. We upcycle traditional handloom textiles into contemporary garments, reducing waste while extending the life of these fabrics. Alongside direct collaborations with artisans and limited-batch production, we also experiment with eco-conscious materials such as bamboo fibres and recycled PET fabrics. 4.What is the biggest challenge facing India’s handloom sector today? One of the biggest challenges is changing the perception that handloom belongs only to traditional wear. We believe handloom deserves a place in contemporary fashion. At the same time, we’re working towards creating greater value for artisan communities by reducing dependence on intermediaries and promoting fair recognition for their craftsmanship. 5.What does National Handloom Day mean to Naeth? For us, National

Fashion

Kawaii by Lavika Singhvi | Udaipur

Founded by Lavika Singhvi, a Udaipur-born entrepreneur with a deep connection to India’s artistic heritage, Kawaii is redefining luxury sarees through the lens of wearable art. Inspired by Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy, Lavika brings together rare handcrafted traditions from across India, including Pichwai, Ajrakh, Madhubani, Batik, and Bandhani. As a Pichwai Certified and ODOP Verified brand, Kawaii works directly with master artisans to preserve authenticity and support traditional craftsmanship. Each saree is envisioned as a timeless heirloom, celebrating heritage, artistry, and the stories woven into every creation. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. Kawaii was born from my desire to transform India’s rich artistic heritage into wearable art for the modern woman. Growing up in Udaipur, a city surrounded by art, culture, and royal traditions, I developed a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship and stories behind Indian textiles. Through Kawaii, we bring together diverse Indian art forms such as Pichwai, Madhubani, Batik, Ajrakh, and Bandhani on luxurious handloom fabrics. Our focus is on preserving authenticity while presenting these traditional crafts in a contemporary format. As a Pichwai Certified and ODOP Verified brand, we work closely with original artisans and artists, ensuring their skills are recognised, valued, and carried forward to future generations. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with, and what makes their craftsmanship unique? We work with artisan communities across India, including Pichwai artists from Udaipur, Madhubani artists from Bihar, Ajrakh craftsmen from Gujarat and Rajasthan, Bandhani artisans, Batik artists, and traditional handloom weavers. Each craft represents generations of knowledge and storytelling. Pichwai is deeply connected to Rajasthan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, with artists creating intricate hand-painted narratives. Madhubani celebrates symbolic storytelling through detailed motifs, while Ajrakh and Batik showcase complex dyeing techniques perfected over

Fashion

GAURANG by Gaurang Shah I Hyderabad

GAURANG is one of India’s foremost luxury handloom brands, renowned for reviving and reimagining the iconic Jamdani weave. For over three decades, Gaurang Shah has worked alongside artisan communities across India, combining traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design to create timeless textiles. Through its dedicated loom clusters, GAURANG has empowered over a thousand artisans while preserving India’s rich weaving heritage through innovation, skill development, and sustainable livelihoods. 1.Tell us about your brand and how it is helping preserve and promote India’s rich handloom heritage. For me, GAURANG has always been about textiles before fashion. My journey began with a fascination for handwoven fabrics and evolved into a lifelong commitment to preserving India’s weaving traditions, particularly the intricate Jamdani weave. Working closely with artisan communities, we have built loom clusters that strengthen weaving ecosystems, encourage innovation, and create opportunities for traditional skills to flourish. Through our collections and showcases across India and internationally, I strive to present Indian handlooms as timeless works of art that remain relevant to contemporary audiences while staying true to their heritage. 2.Which weaving traditions or artisan communities do you work with, and what makes their craftsmanship unique? I work extensively with Jamdani weavers and artisan communities across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and several textile clusters throughout India. Through the GAURANG loom clusters, we collaborate with artisans to develop fine cottons, silks, and innovative handwoven textiles while preserving the integrity of traditional weaving techniques. What makes Jamdani extraordinary is its painstaking process: every motif is woven by hand, thread by thread, directly on the loom. The precision, patience, and craftsmanship involved ensure that every sari is unique, carrying the unmistakable signature of the artisan who created it. 3.Sustainability is at the heart of handloom. What ethical or sustainable practices does your brand follow? Handloom is inherently sustainable, relying on

Fashion

5 Viral Shopping Apps Dominating Gen Z Trends

Gen Z shopping in India is fast, trend-driven and completely digital, with fashion apps shaping what’s in and what’s out. From viral styles to budget-friendly finds, these platforms make it easy to build a wardrobe with just a few taps. Here are five of the best shopping apps Gen Z is obsessed with right now, curated by Sunerii Vennam. Shopping today goes far beyond malls and offline stores. With just a few taps, you can build an entire wardrobe, whether it’s trend-led pieces or a carefully curated personal style. From Y2K revivals to ever-evolving microtrends, fashion is moving faster than ever. And somehow, our carts are filling up even faster. From aesthetic outfits to budget-friendly basics, these are the five apps Gen Z in India can’t get enough of right now. Savana: The Rising Favourite Savana has become a go-to app for people chasing trendy, Pinterest-inspired looks because it’s not just budget-friendly but also known for its new type of sales almost every week. This makes Savana one of the best apps for buying daily essential outfits or the best outfit maker for your next event. The app stands out because its collections often match current trends, making it popular among shoppers who enjoy experimenting with styles. Sunerii’s Favourites: Unique tops and versatile jewellery Newme: Fashion That Understands Gen Z Newme feels like an app built specifically for younger shoppers. The styles are bold, trendy and often inspired by what is currently popular online. The main fan favourites from this store are dresses and bodycons. Newme is expanding its base by also opening offline stores in multiple states across the country, such as Hyderabad, Bangalore, Delhi and more. If keeping up with trends is important, Newme has become a familiar name. Sunerii’s Favourites: Bodycon dresses and hoodies/ sweatshirts Littlebox India: