Lakme Fashion Week: Stars Light Up The Ramp In Mumbai

MUMBAI, March 23: The Jio World Convention Centre was transformed into a high-octane sanctuary of style as Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI officially kicked off on March 19. This season, the four-day fashion extravaganza is proving to be a masterclass in balance, juxtaposing deep-rooted Indian craftsmanship with a sharp, modern pivot toward everyday luxury.

The opening day set a sophisticated tone with a focus on refined menswear. Actor Siddharth commanded the spotlight as the showstopper for designer Vivek Karunakaran. Walking to a backdrop of serene music, Siddharth donned a brown silk coat paired with draped dhoti pants, a highlight of Karunakaran’s “The Thangam” collection. The line celebrated South India’s understated relationship with gold, utilizing raw silks and Kanjeevarams in earthy, sun-kissed tones. The afternoon also saw the return of “The Boy’s Club,” a dynamic showcase featuring labels like Countrymade, Sahil Aneja, and Dhruv Vaish, which translated urban systems into wearable linen and denim separates. The night concluded with Anamika Khanna’s AK|OK, emphasizing “ease in shape” through versatile separates and ruffled asymmetric tops designed for the contemporary woman.

As the week progressed, the runway saw a flurry of star-studded appearances and experimental collaborations. Ananya Panday stole the show for AFEW Rahul Mishra, wearing a crisp white shirt embellished with dragonflies and a glossy ivory blazer, redefining “power dressing” for the Fall-Winter 2026 season. Amit Aggarwal presented “Orizon,” a collection exploring light as a catalyst for change, where showstopper Disha Patani dazzled in a black sculpted lehenga that blended signature pleating with modern aesthetics. Meanwhile, Max Fashion brought high-energy 90s nostalgia to the ramp with Siddhant Chaturvedi, Kalki Koechlin, and Alaya F in their “Unserious Everything” showcase.

The event reached its crescendo on March 22 with the Pero Grand Finale, featuring Lakmē’s Gen Z face, Aneet Padda. Designer Aneeth Arora’s collection, titled “Out of Office,” reimagined the transition from the workplace hustle to holiday leisure. The set, initially cluttered with paperwork and fluorescent lights, transitioned into a whimsical landscape of floral appliqués and handcrafted pom-poms. The show also served as the launchpad for the Lakmē 9to5 Hya Beach Edit, reinforcing the season’s core theme: that beauty and fashion should move as freely as the people wearing them.

Key trends emerging from the week include a significant revival in menswear toward personal luxury, a continued commitment to sustainable crafts like khadi and upcycled denim, and a move toward fluid tailoring with seasonless garments that transition easily from day to night.