Amit Aggarwal explores the switch from workwear to after-hours glamour
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Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 showcased a blend of traditional Indian craftsmanship and modern aesthetics. Designers Pawan Sachdevaa, Ethnix by Raymond, and Manish Malhotra presented collections that redefined contemporary menswear and occasion wear.
The Evolution of Indian Fashion at Lakmé Fashion Week 2026
Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, held at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, on October 17, served as a pivotal platform for the transformation of Indian design. This season highlighted a significant shift in the industry: the reconciliation of age-old artisanal techniques with the demands of a modern, globalized wardrobe. By bridging the gap between heritage and contemporary utility, designers are signaling a new era for Indian fashion.
Reimagining Craft with Pawan Sachdevaa
Pawan Sachdevaa’s collection, titled RECAST, exemplifies this shift. By integrating traditional techniques like bandhani, shibori, kasuti, and kantha into modern mediums such as denim, kala cotton khadi, and bouclé, Sachdevaa has moved away from purely ethnic silhouettes. The focus on relaxed tailoring, gender-fluid designs, and workwear-inspired separates demonstrates that Indian craft is not stagnant; it is an evolving language capable of adapting to urban, everyday needs.
Masculine Identity and Ethnix by Raymond
Simultaneously, the menswear landscape is undergoing a radical rethink. Ethnix by Raymond presented their 'Wedding Stories' collection, which balances the weight of tradition with the desire for individuality. By offering everything from classic sherwanis and bandhgalas to experimental Indo-Western suits and tuxedos, the brand is responding to a modern Indian man who values versatility. This evolution suggests that occasion wear is no longer just about formality, but about personal expression through textile heritage.
The Return of High Glamour: Manish Malhotra
Adding a layer of high-octane luxury to the proceedings, Manish Malhotra made a grand return to the runway after a three-year hiatus. His 'Luxury Prêt 2026' collection introduced the Manish Malhotra Menswear Luxe Prêt line, characterized by metallic silver tones, sculpted forms, and fluid drapes. This introduction of high-shine, avant-garde menswear marks a departure from traditional embroidery-heavy aesthetics, favoring instead a structural, movement-oriented approach to glamour.
Trends and Future Outlook
The common thread across these showcases is the move toward 'relaxed structure.' Whether it is Sachdevaa’s utilitarian separates or Malhotra’s fluid drapes, the industry is clearly favoring comfort without sacrificing the luxury of craftsmanship. We are witnessing a trend where the 'occasion' is no longer the sole driver of design; rather, the 'lifestyle' of the wearer—who requires versatility, gender-fluidity, and modern silhouettes—is dictating the future of Indian fashion.
Conclusion
Lakmé Fashion Week 2026 has successfully underscored that Indian fashion is at an inflection point. By successfully melding the tactile beauty of handloom traditions with the sharp, functional requirements of 21st-century dressing, designers are ensuring that Indian heritage remains relevant on both the domestic and international stage. The shift toward more experimental menswear and sustainable, craft-focused ready-to-wear suggests a robust and innovative future for the industry.
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