Indian fashion stepped into a future rooted in its rich past and creative present at the Lakme Fashion Week 2025, held in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). The five-day event celebrated sustainability, tradition, playfulness, and inclusivity while offering a fresh perspective on modern Indian style. From experimental menswear to corset couture and textile innovation, the runway painted a dynamic portrait of what lies ahead. Among the standout themes was the revival and reinvention of traditional Indian crafts and textiles, with designers offering a contemporary twist to age-old techniques like Benarasi, Bandhani, and Khadi. At the same time, fashion favorites like athleisure and streetwear were elevated with glamorous, unexpected details, speaking directly to Gen Z and millennial sensibilities.
 

Designer Namrata Joshipura, a former athlete herself, turned heads by giving sportswear a vibrant and stylish overhaul. Her collection reimagined athleisure with peppy prints, sequins, and punchy color palettes—blurring the line between comfort and glam. Menswear wasn’t left behind either. Culottes for men, a fun and daring choice, made their presence felt. Labels like Falguni Shane Peacock, S&N by Shantnu Nikhil, and Abhichiq showcased playful layering, cupcake hues, and an upbeat approach to men’s fashion—making it clear that joy and color are not just for the ladies. Corsets, a trend that’s seen rising popularity in India, maintained their stronghold on the runway. Whether embellished, zippered, or styled with billowing silhouettes, corsets proved they’re here to stay. Designers like Amit Aggarwal and Falguni Shane Peacock showcased versions that were equally edgy and elegant. Fashion label Quarter brought a whimsical flair to accessories with its “cushioned companions”
 

Modern Takes on Traditional Textiles and Elevated Everyday Basics

The LFW 2025 runway witnessed a wave of designers breathing new life into traditional Indian fabrics. Rahul Mishra’s AFEW collection featured a dramatic Bandhani gown worn by Janhvi Kapoor, while Bhumi Pednekar turned showstopper in a regal Benarasi corset by Amit Aggarwal. These choices weren’t just aesthetic—they highlighted how Indian heritage fabrics can command a place on modern runways. Khadi, often perceived as austere, emerged as a surprising show-stealer. Brands like Co-Ek broke the fabric’s formal image by adapting it into contemporary silhouettes that are both stylish and sustainable. Everyday essentials also got an upgrade. Elevated basics like white shirts, jumpsuits, pantsuits, and denim jackets were reinvented with a designer’s touch. Anamika Khanna’s AK-OK label gave the white shirt a fresh spin, while Stoique and Ritwik Khanna’s Rkive introduced denim and suits with unusual textures and thoughtful cuts.
 

Color palettes also stood out this season. Designers embraced cupcake hues—soft pastels reminiscent of frosting and summer skies. Eka led this dreamy movement with breezy, flowy co-ord sets, while men’s labels like Abhichiq also joined the fun, proving pastel isn’t just for womenswear anymore. One of the most unique presentations came from designer Mohammad Mazhar, who paid tribute to his hometown of Saharanpur. Known for its intricate woodcarvings, the city inspired a collection of quirky wooden handbags, sculpted belts, and structured blouses, beautifully bridging Indo-European aesthetics with handcrafted finesse. Lakme Fashion Week 2025 left fashion lovers with plenty to look forward to: a celebration of Indian roots, a push toward sustainability, and a fresh openness to playful experimentation. Whether you're into timeless classics or contemporary cool, these trends are bound to find a place in your wardrobe this year.