- Avarna Jain,
Chairperson RPSG Lifestyle Media
Nikasha Wants To Drape Brides In Khadi This Wedding Season
The designer’s upcoming showcase at the FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week is an ode to the traditional fabric…
Nikasha is going to make a return to the LFW runway after six years with 'Mahboob'Nikasha
The humble khadi has come a long way from just being associated with stiff kurtas and coarse textiles. The sustainable fabric is a testament to Indian craftsmanship and artistry and it is now playing muse for designer Nikasha’s upcoming collection ‘Mahboob’ at the FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week 2025.
Making her comeback to the LFW runway after six years, Nikasha is going to present her ode to khadi on the runway with ‘Mahboob’. The collection, she tells us, is all about movement and artisanal elegance. Think fluid draped gowns, capes, and elevated saris in a colour palette comprising earthy and neutral tones of beige, tan, off-white, and white with splashes of vibrant Rani Pink.
Nikasha's return to the runway after 6 years is going to be marked by her ode to khadiNikasha
In a conversation with Manifest, the designer talks about why brides should consider khadi for their wedding wardrobes, her comeback to the LFW runway, ‘Mahboob’ and more…
In Conversation With Nikasha
Manifest: You’re making a comeback on the FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week ramp after six years. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the decision?
Nikasha: I’m returning to the runway after a gap of six years and the landscape has had insurmountable changes but there is a part of me that is very excited to return. Especially, since this year the focus of Lakmé Fashion Week will be on India’s rich textile heritage, an idea I closely resonate with. My collection ‘Mahboob’ is an extension of this philosophy as it pays homage to Khadi. The timing, therefore, matches perfectly! Fashion has always been about reinvention—of ideas, traditions, and identities—and in that spirit, my return is not just about showcasing a collection but about embracing a deeper creative journey.
M: What can we expect on the runway this time around?
N: This year’s collection Mahboob has been curated with cape sets, dhoti sarees and draped gowns. Each ensemble embodies effortless movement and artisanal elegance. The collection will be unveiled with a curation of womenswear and menswear. The signature looks include a Dhoti Sari, a reimagination of the classic and a long asymmetrical cape with a bralette blouse and draped skirt highlighting fluidity and free-flowing designs.
'Mahboob' is all about movement and fluidity, says NikashaNikasha
M: How has the brand evolved in the decades since it was launched, in your opinion?
N: Nikasha is braver than ever in embracing its full creative potential. Over the years, I’ve learnt to approach new clients with an open mind and fresh perspective. With markets becoming increasingly dynamic, the brand is evolving in that direction as well.
M: Has there been a shift in how brides interact with fashion for their wedding wardrobes over the years?
N: Modern brides seek more personalised style in their wardrobes, something that showcases a glimpse of their personality, values, stories and heritage. Weddings are no longer a singular moment but a celebration stretched across multiple events, and the bridal wardrobe mirrors this evolution with versatile, statement-making pieces. It is no longer confined to the predictable reds and golds, today’s bridal ensembles embrace an entire spectrum, it’s more experimental.
'Mahboob' features an earthy colour palette with vibrant Rani Pink accentsNikasha
M: The collection ‘Mahboob’ is an ode to khadi. How do you see the fabric being present in wedding collections and wardrobes this wedding season?
N: Khadi as a fabric has many impressive qualities. It is hand-woven thread by thread, offers sustainability and has longevity for decades. As sustainability and storytelling become the soul of modern bridal wardrobes, 'Mahboob' celebrates khadi as more than just a fabric, it is a sentiment, a love letter to craftsmanship, and a reminder that true luxury lies in what is woven with intention. Brides are also drawn to its tactile beauty, its ability to breathe, and its deep-rooted connection to heritage.
M: Why should brides (and fashion-conscious wedding attendees) go for khadi for their wedding wardrobes?
N: What makes khadi truly special is its versatility. It can be woven into regal lehengas, graceful sarees, or even contemporary fusion pieces, offering a fresh take on wedding fashion. Plus, with more people leaning towards sustainable choices, khadi stands out as an eco-friendly option that supports artisans and keeps heritage craftsmanship alive.
Nikasha has always been a champion of Indian craftsmanship and sustainability, 'Mahboob' takes it a step furtherNikasha
M: What are some things that excite you about the Indian fashion landscape at the moment?
N: What excites me most about the Indian fashion landscape is its seamless blend of heritage and modernity. I love seeing the revival of indigenous textiles and artisanal craftsmanship in a way that feels fresh and relevant. There’s also a stronger shift towards sustainability, which resonates deeply with me. The global spotlight on Indian design is another inspiring shift—it’s incredible to see our rich traditions being celebrated on a larger stage. It’s a thrilling time to create, evolve, and be part of this journey.
M: What are you looking forward to post-FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week 2025?
N: After being away from India for a couple of years now, I am very excited to be back home, in my country and I am looking forward to creating what I love to do the most!
Where we give you a fast-paced look into everything you should wish list when you start to think about marriage. What to buy and how to dress, along with modern mithai and the homegrown fragrance makers to bookmark. Make special note of the feature on alta.
It has everything you need to make your wedding special. From the big comeback of red and pink in bridal wear to how the cool kids are wearing corsets to the celebration, there is only one way to get ready for a wedding —with enjoyment.
This section is a building block, a step to a better life. A place where we have all the answers. Or at least the beginning of a great conversation.
This needs very little description. It has travel with a special focus on incredible India, and a collection of wedding albums, sourced randomly, but collected with abundance because happiness has no limits.
