Can Amit Aggarwal’s Brocade Corsets Be An Alternative To Blouses?

The FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week is in full swing. After getting a deconstructed sari at AK-OK and a dhoti renaissance by Roy Calcutta, Amit Aggarwal gave us Banarasi brocade with a modern twist.

After delivering us a stunning reinterpretation of Banarasi textiles with ‘Antevorta’, his Hyundai India Couture Week 2024 collection, Amit Aggarwal revisited his favourite handloom textile with an exploration of brocades.

Known for his sharp tailoring, the designer injected an element of surprise with unexpected drapes that transformed conventional silhouettes on the runway. Cropped jackets and lightweight separates emerged as the collection’s leitmotif, offering versatility without compromising on style. Asymmetric hemlines introduced a sense of effortless movement, proving that unconventional edges are the new power dressing.

Structured yet fluid silhouettes dominated the runway, creating a visual narrative that celebrated both fashion and function. Layered separates, bold details, and a mix-and-match approach allowed wearers to express individuality while embracing practicality.

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Symbolism also played a key role, with infinity motifs weaving their way through the collection, echoing a sense of timelessness. Rich jewel tones set the mood, while playful embellishments—sequins adorning footwear and metallic accents on outerwear—added a bold, futuristic edge.

The standout, however, was his showstopper Bhumi Pednekar walking down the runway in a crisp white silk shirt and black pants with a Banarasi brocade corset. 

Metallic breastplates and sculpted corsets have dominated runways and red carpets in recent seasons. There was the contrast of delicate lace with armor-like breastplates at Roseroom by Isha Jajodia to Gaurav Gupta’s striking interpretation of sculpted corsets in his ‘Arunodaya’ collection at Hyundai India Couture Week 2024, and now Amit Aggarwal’s Banarasi brocade rendition on the LFW 2025 runway. Are corsets the new blouses?

Celebrities from Radhika Merchant to Tamnnaah Bhatia have been at the forefront of the ‘Corset As Blouse’ movement (we’ll workshop a better name by the next fashion week), and it seems like the trend is only getting bigger with more innovations.

If you want to jump on the corset bandwagon, remember that there are no rules. Take it from the designer himself, who says, “This collection is about freedom, clothes that move with you, adapt to you, and evolve with your style. Fashion should be effortless yet expressive. These pieces are designed to be worn your way, mixed with what you already love, and styled to feel uniquely you.”

There you have it!