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

Intro: The smell of marigold flowers, the glow of diyas, the happy noise of families coming together. India’s festive season is here again, and with it comes the excitement of dressing up. Clothes are not just clothes during festivals; they are part of the celebration itself. This year’s festive fashion is a mix of tradition and modern style. From sarees to lehengas, from bold jewellery to subtle embroidery, here’s what is trending in 2025. 1. Sarees with a twist The saree is timeless. But this year, designers are giving it new life. Pre-draped sarees, gown-style sarees, and double-pallu drapes are everywhere. Designer Anamika Khanna is renowned for her dramatic draping styles, which add movement and glamour. Stars like Deepika Padukone and Kiara Advani have been wearing sarees with bold pleats, sculpted borders, and fresh silhouettes. It’s the same saree we love but reimagined for today. 2. Mix and Match Festive Separates Gone are the days of sticking to one complete set of a lehenga or a sari. Now people are mixing and matching. Heavy skirts are paired with light blouses or embroidered jackets, often accompanied by plain shararas. 3. Colours that surprise Traditional festivals’ colours like red, maroon, and gold are still there, but 2025 is experimenting. Soft tones like sage green, dusty mauve, teal, and ochre are shining this year. At Diwali parties, many celebs wore gold tissue sarees that looked festive yet classy. For Navaratri, green became the star colour, especially on the day dedicated to Goddess Skanda Mata. 4. Craft Revival and Sustainable Touch This year, old crafts are making a comeback in new and innovative ways. Hand embroidery, block prints, and vintage fabrics are being reused to create stunning outfits. Designer Mayyur Girotra even created a lehenga from five old brocade sarees, proving that fashion can

Hashtag Magazine brings you an exclusive interview with the legendary MANISH MALHOTRA, India’s most celebrated fashion designer. From redefining Bollywood glamour to shaping global couture, he opens up about his creative journey, inspirations, and the evolving world of fashion in 2025, offering rare insights into his iconic legacy. How are you making your signature bridal style more accessible to younger or more experimental brides while keeping that Manish Malhotra charm? You know, brides today are really fearless. They love their traditions, of course, but they also want to bring in their own personality, and I think that’s beautiful. For me, it’s about giving them the grandeur they’ve come to expect from a Manish Malhotra bridal look, but doing it in a way that feels fresh. That could mean innovative construction, modern silhouettes, or just a more effortless styling. The glamour will always be there, it’s just evolved. Sometimes it’s through a sharper corset, sometimes through a softer drape, but the magic is always alive. What are the top three bridal trends you see ruling weddings in 2025? So, first, I think it’s about layering. Whether it’s a signature head veil or even a cape, it allows a bride to really play with her look across different celebrations. It’s about showcasing unique embroidery or luxurious fabrics that can be styled in multiple ways. Then second, I’ve been loving crystal drapes, they bring in this beautiful sensuality and shimmer. It’s glamorous without trying too hard. And third, statement blouses – brides today are embracing unique necklines, dramatic sleeves, and corsetry to make the blouse the highlight. Which colours are defining the Manish Malhotra bridal palette this season? This season, I have been drawn to deep, decadent tones such as rich maroons, soft almond shades, old rose, and metallics that never go out