Fashion in itself has an ever-evolving nature. Like the change in seasons, fashion trends also come and go. Just like a seasonal shift from gloomy to bloomy, fashion also exhibits a shift. One day, the revival of the rich heritage of traditional wear fascinates us, while the next day, punk wear owns the runway, and we love it in all its forms.
In a country as diverse as India, fashion has a big role to play. During the past few years, the fashion industry has evolved like never before. Here, it carries with it the responsibility of honouring heritages, while staying relevant to the current times. It has become a fusion of traditional and modern, of western and Indian, becoming an inspiration for fashion enthusiasts worldwide.
Fashion Shows in India
Fashion has gained a lot of popularity now. So, there are iconic shows that dedicate themselves solely to the craftsmanship, brain and creativity behind the curation of each design piece. These are iconic because they are not just fashion shows, they have become a festival. For anyone into fashion, it is a dream to attend some of the top fashion shows in India. With the massive decorative runways, the breath-taking models, and the spectacular design, these shows are a sight to behold.
If we look deeper, we will see more than just fabrics made into outfits. They are sometimes a tribute to our rich cultural heritage, sometimes a take at the changing fashion scenario, and always a designer’s art. Designers consider the fabric, colour and design in great detail, then showcase the collections magnificently.
Lakme Fashion Week (LFW)
Of all, Lakme Fashion Week is the most popular. It was thought of and implemented as a vision to redefine fashion in India and incorporate it into the global fashion world.
This prestigious bi-annual show offers a platform for some of the nation’s budding designers. With some of the biggest celebrities, designers and influencers attending the show, it witnesses a wide media coverage. About 40,000 people attend the event every time. With bollywood stars walking the ramp as showstoppers, the glitz and glamour become the most looked-forward-to aspect of the event..
The well-known and desired names like Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani and Sabyasachi Mujherjee weren’t always popular. While they gradually gained fame, LFW has played a significant role in shaping their career. Now, every Indian bride eyes on their collection for her dream wedding lehenga.
Apart from fashion, LFW also supports sustainability through its initiative Sustainable fashion day, which focuses on the environmental impact on conscious design.
Indian Fashion Week (IFW)
The next big thing in the Indian fashion industry is the Indian fashion week,, organised and promoted by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). This event, too, focuses on India’s leading designers and their luxurious designs. It has served as a platform for now famous designers like Anamika Khanna and Rohit Bal. The show beautifully brings together the beauty of Indian traditional wear and global trends from around the world, making them accessible to Indian consumers.
India Bridal Fashion Week
India Bridal Fashion Week stands second to none when it comes to showcasing the grandeur of Indian bridal fantasies under one roof. Weddings, and hence the bridal fashion, are an integral part of Indian culture. Every Indian bride’s dream designers like Anita Dongre, Tarun Tahiliani and Shyamal and Bhumika have graced the stage with their alluring collections. The heavy but elegant embroidery, the rich fabrics and the skill- all get combined to form what becomes the nation’s next obsession.
IBFW is an experience of a lifetime. Designers leave no stone unturned in giving the audience a royal feel. The live music and the sets that look like palaces, along with models draped in the most beautiful outfits, is a sight not to be missed. It has risen to be the top inspiration amongst the Indian trousseau designers.
Blenders Pride Fashion Tour
It is the ultimate gateway to fashion and glam. The show has showcased some of the most jaw-dropping designs of the fashion world. Designers like Manish Malhotra, Falguni Shane Peacock and Abu Jani- Sandeep Khosla have been a part of the grand show. Gradually, it has become a pure delight to the senses, serving art, music and culture throughout the country now. It has taken Indian fashion a notch higher by promoting Indian designers and their unique designs on a global level.
Amazon India Fashion Week
It is different from the other fashion shows in that it puts forward a ready to wear collection, rather than couture. It promotes wearable fashion and sustainability, with its designers often adopting eco-friendly practices in their collections. It is visible in the opulent designs of Gaurav Gupta, and Rahul Mishra, among others, that have graced the platform with the beautiful blend of modern art and traditional touches.
Rajasthan Cultural Heritage
This one is like no other. It is a brilliant concoction of India’s hidden gems and grandeur. As the name suggests, it has a lot to do with the rich cultural heritage of India. Craftsmen from deepest corners of Rajasthan get to work with some of the nation’s top designers, like Ritu Kumar to create something magical. Be it the traditional block printing or tie and dye, every technique is put to use beautifully to create collections that tell stories. The aim is to preserve the rich artistry and aesthetic values of Indian tradition.
Van Heusen India Men’s Fashion Week
This one stands out, quite obviously. While fashion has become almost synonymous with women, few recognise that even Men have style too. This unconventional fashion platform focuses entirely on Men’s fashion. While it is very challenging, it is also exciting to see the experimentation in Menswear. When explored well, this fashion category also potentially has a creative and stylish side. Men’s week has proved this with styles by Raghavendra Rathore, Narendra Kumar, and others leaving a lasting impact.
North East Indian Fashion Week
NEIFW tells us an untold story. Not often explored, fashion in the North-Eastern part of India gets recognition through this platform. This part of India is rich in culture and heritage, filled with talented and skilled local artisans. The breathtaking art that lies at the heart of Assam, Nagaland and Manipur, earns global recognition. Some top names in the fashion industry work in collaboration with local artisans, bringing them to the limelight.
Lotus Makeup India Fashion Week
Organised by the FDCI, Lotus Fashion Week is known for its variety of themes and superstar showstoppers. This show that caters to both ready to wear and customisable ensemble, also supports eco-friendly fashion, thus staying relevant in the global fashion trends. Rina Dhaka is one of the many big designers who have been associated with the event.
India Beach Fashion Week
It is the eccentric version of the above mentioned events. Held annually in Goa, it showcases leisurely and luxurious resort wear and outfits for destination tropical weddings.
Rocky S and Shivan & Narresh are the top designers who have made their mark in this niche through this platform.
Wrapping Up
India is a diverse country. Within this diversity are various cultures that need recognition. The above mentioned fashion shows do their bit in bringing the vast cultures on the global front. Whether by maintaining the heritage or by giving the collections a modern twist, designers have come a long way. The fashion industry itself has evolved so much and gained national popularity. Everyone, from a designer to a design student, finds inspiration and motivation in these grand events. These are our window to the fashion scene of the future.
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