A Walk Down Memory Lane: The Grand Finale Marking 25 Years of Indian Fashion
Here's to 25 more!
As Lakmē Fashion Week, in partnership with FDC, marked its 25th anniversary, the event was not just a nostalgic look back but a reflection on the evolution of Indian fashion. Hosted at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the week-long celebration brought together industry stalwarts to honour the past and discuss the future of fashion in India.
Sunil Sethi, chairman of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), acknowledged the industry's transformation over the years. “In the US, a popular advertisement said, ‘You’ve come a long way, baby.’ That sums it up,” he told WWD. Having led the council since 2008, he reflected on how Indian fashion has transitioned from a nascent industry to a globally recognised force.
The grand finale paid tribute to this journey, revisiting iconic moments from past editions.
Wendell Rodricks and Tarun Tahiliani headlined the first Lakmē Fashion Week in 2000.
Over the years, designers such as Manish Malhotra, Rina Dhaka, Rohit Bal, Monisha Jaising, and Suneet Varma have defined the event’s creative landscape. This year, many of them returned to showcase archival creations, offering a glimpse into the industry's evolution. Models Lisa Haydon and Lisa Ray graced the ramp alongside a diverse line-up, adding to the celebratory mood.
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The event also highlighted key milestones. Originally launched in 2000 as Lakmē India Fashion Week, it was a joint effort between FDCI, beauty brand Lakmē, and IMG. A split in 2006 saw the creation of two separate fashion weeks—Lakmē Fashion Week in Mumbai and Wills Lifestyle India Fashion Week in Delhi. The rivalry lasted years, with each evolving its format. By 2021, a major unification brought Lakmē Fashion Week, FDCI, and Reliance Brands under one banner, creating a single platform for Indian fashion.
While nostalgia played a significant role, the focus remained on the road ahead. Industry leaders discussed the next 25 years, with an emphasis on expanding global influence and strengthening the domestic market.
As Lakmē Fashion Week wrapped up, it left behind a sense of both legacy and ambition—honouring the past while setting the stage for what’s next in Indian fashion.