The iconic Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI 2024 held in October was an emotional tribute to the late Rohit Bal, whose final showcase at the House of Lakmé Grand Finale was a poignant reminder of his unmatched artistry. His collection, ‘Kaaynaat,’ is a celebration of nature, beauty, and transformation, with his signature large-sized rose motifs blooming at the core of each creation. The intricate embroidery and expert craftsmanship in every garment reflected Rohit Bal’s poetic soul, making this grand finale a fitting tribute to a designer whose legacy will forever shape the world of haute couture.
A perfect homage to the Indian fashion landscape, this season’s showcase was a narrative of the rich cultural heritage and futuristic style statements. Designers like Payal Pratap, Abraham & Thakore, and Payal Singhal presented collections that struck the right chord between modern sensibilities with deep-rooted traditions, taking us on a journey through India’s diverse beauty.
Payal Singhal
Celebrating 25 years of the brand’s journey, Payal Singhal’s “Tazhib” collection paid tribute to Mughal art and architecture. With a contemporary yet vintage appeal, the collection featured deconstructed anarkalis, backless corset cholis, and ruffle lehengas, enriched with mukaish, gota, Lucknowi, and zari work. The colour palette ranged from classic black and white to vibrant hues, reflecting a sepia-toned nostalgia, while infusing modern bridal and occasion wear with timeless sophistication.
Abraham & Thakore
The Abraham & Thakore collection found beauty in the forgotten and everyday. Drawing inspiration from the past, the designers reimagined mundane objects—like discarded sweet wrappers, plastic sheets, and retro film tapes— transforming them into luxurious fabrics and intricate embroideries. The use of silks, georgettes, and organzas, combined with quirky materials, gave a contemporary twist to these scrap items, making them glamorous and relevant for today’s environment-conscious generation.
Payal Pratap
Payal Pratap’s collection traversed back to nature, with a vibrant spectrum of kaleidoscopic colours. The intricate thread embroideries, cross-stitch, patchwork, and weaves brought to life a harmonious fusion of rustic exuberance and timeless elegance. The breezy silhouettes told a story of nostalgia and reckoned with the sense of taking a sweet spot as your forever staples. Payal’s focus on craftsmanship highlighted the richness of contemporary silhouettes making every ensemble a timeless work of art for the modern woman.
Dhruv Kapoor
Dhruv Kapoor’s The Denim Edit collection brought together the past and present, offering an exciting fusion of retro aesthetics with contemporary designs. Showcasing unconventional pairings, Dhruv’s denim capsule redefined brand archives, breathing new life into the fabric through oversized silhouettes, hand-embroidered details, and painted accents, making denim both timeless and forward-looking.
Punit Balana
Punit Balana’s “Johari Bazaar” collection, inspired by the vibrant market in the city of Jaipur, highlighted Khaka patterns and Mughal motifs intricately woven into the fabric. The jewel-toned hues of pink and purple echoed the vibrant spirit of the quaint bazaar, capturing the essence of heritage while creating a contemporary dialogue through the shararas and lehengas.
Rohit Bal
Ananya Pandey in Rohit Bal
In a season filled with innovation, Rohit Bal’s final grand finale showcased the pinnacle of couture, leaving a lasting imprint on Lakmé Fashion Week X FDCI 2024. His collection, ‘Kaaynaat,’ served as a fitting tribute to the master who elevated fashion into art, blending nature, beauty, and transformation into one breathtaking showcase. The legacy of his craftsmanship will continue to inspire the world of fashion for generations to come.
Comments