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A fresh wave of creativity took to the runway as NIF Global Presents GenNext showcased three emerging design labels, Subbah Studio by Nimisha Diwakar, Abhishek Chauhan Studio by Abhishek Chauhan, and Day & Age by Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka, at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Bringing together distinct perspectives on craftsmanship, identity and transformation, the showcase celebrated a new generation of designers redefining contemporary Indian fashion through thoughtful storytelling, experimental techniques and individual expression.
The runway unfolded as a compelling exploration of contrasts, where the vibrant chaos of Kolkata’s flower markets met the architectural precision of sculptural silhouettes, and age-old textile traditions found new meaning through contemporary interpretations of identity. Each collection presented a unique creative universe, united by a shared desire to challenge conventions, revisit cultural narratives and explore the possibilities of design beyond the familiar.
Speaking on the association, Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Limited, said, “NIF Global Presents GenNext continues to be an important platform for discovering and supporting the next generation of Indian design talent. What stood out this season was the individuality of each designer’s vision, from the reinterpretation of traditional crafts to experimental silhouettes and deeply personal narratives. At Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, our focus has always been on creating opportunities for emerging designers to gain meaningful industry exposure and build their presence within the fashion ecosystem. It is encouraging to see young labels approach fashion with such originality and a strong sense of identity.”
The colours, textures and everyday poetry of Kolkata’s historic Mullick Ghat flower market came alive through ‘Hustle & the Hue’ by Subbah Studio, as designer Nimisha Diwakar translated the coexistence of calm and chaos into a collection rich in craft and visual storytelling. Hand-painted Batik, an age-old technique closely associated with Bengal’s textile history, took centre stage alongside handwoven Noil, Hand Matka Silk, Murshidabad silk and Khadi. Intricate French knots, wave tucks, Kantha embroidery, beading and Aari work
introduced tactile depth, bringing together traditional craftsmanship and a contemporary design sensibility. The collection captured the energy of the bustling flower market while offering a fresh perspective on India’s living textile traditions.
Speaking about her collection, Nimisha Diwakar, Founder, Subbah Studio, said, “With Hustle & the Hue, I wanted to capture the feeling of being at Mullick Ghat, where there is so much movement and colour, yet also a certain stillness in the everyday moments. Batik became an important part of that story because it is a craft that demands patience and intention. Presenting this collection at NIF Global Presents GenNext gave us the opportunity to bring these traditional techniques into a contemporary fashion conversation while celebrating the
artisans and textile traditions that continue to inspire our work.”
Exploring transformation through a more experimental lens, Abhishek Chauhan Studio presented ‘Alchemy’, a collection that examined the relationship between change, imperfection and individuality. With a design language rooted in sculptural forms, precise construction and unconventional material exploration, Abhishek Chauhan drew parallels between the transformation of metals and the evolution of personal identity. The collection challenged conventional notions of perfection, celebrating the marks, layers and experiences that make every individual distinct. Through its conceptual approach to form and construction, Alchemy positioned clothing as an expression of confidence, strength and the beauty of becoming.
Commenting on the collection, Abhishek Chauhan, Founder, Abhishek Chauhan Studio, said, “Alchemy began with the thought that everything we experience changes us in some way, and those changes are what make us individual. I wanted to explore that through clothing, looking at transformation, imperfections and the beauty of things that are often considered unconventional. For me, fashion is about creating something that makes people feel different and confident in their own identity. Showcasing at NIF Global Presents GenNext
has been an opportunity to introduce that design philosophy to a wider audience.”
The conversation around identity continued with ‘Neither This Nor That’ by Day & Age, where designers Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka explored the fluidity of belonging through mythical hybrid creatures and cultural symbolism. Inspired by Indian and Iranian references, including the yali and the makara, the collection questioned rigid definitions and embraced the complexity of identities that exist between worlds. Vintage Kantha quilts were transformed into one-of-one garments, each retaining the character and history of its
original textile. Appliqué, beadwork and embroidery added intricate layers, bringing together inherited craftsmanship and contemporary expression in a collection that celebrated ambiguity, plurality and individuality.
Shreya Parasrampuria and Sharan Adka, Co-founders, Day & Age, said, “Neither This Nor That is rooted in the idea that identities are never singular or fixed. We were drawn to mythical hybrid creatures because they exist between definitions, much like the contradictions we carry within ourselves. Working with vintage Kantha quilts allowed us to bring another layer to that conversation, as every textile already has its own history and identity. Through this collection, we wanted to celebrate the beauty of the in-between and explore how clothing
can carry multiple stories at once. Presenting it at NIF Global Presents GenNext has been a meaningful milestone for us.”
Together, the three collections created a dialogue between heritage and innovation, highlighting the diverse
ways in which emerging designers are engaging with India’s craft traditions while developing their own distinct
visual identities. From expressive surface techniques and experimental construction to the reinterpretation of
vintage textiles, the showcase reflected a generation approaching fashion with curiosity, conviction and a
willingness to challenge established design conventions.
Speaking on the collaboration, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), said, “What makes NIF Global Presents GenNext so important is its ability to introduce designers who bring a fresh perspective to the runway. This season, we saw three very different approaches to fashion, each grounded in a strong creative vision. From traditional textile techniques to experimental construction and the reinterpretation of craft, these collections reflect the diversity and potential of emerging Indian design. At Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, we remain committed to providing young talent with the visibility, industry connections and opportunities they need to build their journey in fashion.”
Shaunik Khosla, Business Head, NIF Global, said, “GENNEXT is a powerful platform for emerging designers to bring fresh ideas and individual creative voices to the forefront. At NIF Global, we are committed to giving young talent opportunities to gain real industry exposure, experience and visibility. We are proud to continue our association with Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI and look forward to seeing this season’s designers bring their unique perspectives to the runway and take the next step in their creative
journeys.
With another edition celebrating emerging creative talent, NIF Global Presents GenNext reaffirmed its role as a platform for discovering and nurturing the designers shaping the future of Indian fashion. The showcase brought together three individual creative journeys, each offering a fresh interpretation of the relationship between craftsmanship, contemporary design and personal expression, underscoring the evolving landscape of Indian fashion at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.
