NIF Global Presented ‘The Runway’ Unveiled Emerging Design Talent At
Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI
The multi-designer showcase brought together a dynamic mix of craft, culture and contemporary design
through five distinct collections by rising designers
Mumbai, 20th March 2026: The NIF Global ‘The Runway’ Show returned as one of the most
anticipated showcases at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India
(FDCI), presenting a vibrant platform for emerging talent. This season, the showcase brought the glitz and
glamour of five captivating collections by upcoming designers from across the country, each offering a
unique perspective on fashion, craft and innovation.
Each season, the NIF Global “The Runway” show serves as a launchpad for young designers, and this
edition was no exception. Creative student designers translated diverse cultural inspirations into
contemporary silhouettes, presenting collections that reflected both technical skill and conceptual depth
on the runway.
Tisha Khosla- Author, Creative Educator, NIF Global Corporate said “The Runway this season is centred
around cultural fusion. Our designers from NIF Global centres across India have drawn inspiration from
diverse traditions, textiles and countries. From fusing Egyptian hieroglyphics with Kashmiri kashida
embroidery, French Art deco motifs with Indian Aari, Madras checks with Japanese origami to Korean
Hanboks made in Rajasthani dabu prints. The result is a body of work that honours the richness of global
cultures by reinterpreting them for the modern world. It is exciting to witness young designers create
fashion that is both deeply rooted and refreshingly forward-looking. NIF Global’s interior designers have
worked hard in tandem on designing the set that embodies the essence of Cultural Fusion.”
MEHWISH KOKNI & ABUZAR KHAN – THE GEOMETRY OF GRACE
Designers Mehwish Kokni and Abuzar Khan from NIF Global Nashik presented ‘The Geometry of
Grace’, a collection that explored a cultural dialogue between India and France. Blending the fluid
craftsmanship of Indian Aari embroidery with the structured elegance of French Art Deco motifs, the
collection translated geometric precision into soft, rhythmic surfaces.
Rendered in a serene Cloud Dancer palette of soft whites and ivories with gold and subtle metallic
accents, the collection celebrated modern luxury through global harmony. Silhouettes ranged from
structured blazers paired with tube tops and tailored skorts to high-neck crop tops with fitted skirts,
sleeveless wrap tops with wide-leg trousers, tailored jumpsuits and Grecian draped tops with slit skirts.
Crafted in Indonesian Armani, crepe and net, the designs balanced precision with femininity.
KHUSHI KETAN PAREKH & SANIKA RANE – INSCRIA
From NIF Global Mumbai Ghatkopar, Khushi Ketan Parekh and Sanika Rane presented ‘Inscria’, a
collection that fused Egyptian hieroglyphic symbolism with Indian Kashida embroidery. The narrative
began with bleached hieroglyphic prints forming soft bases, brought to life through intricate Kashida hand
embroidery.
Inspired by the art of the Kashmir Valley and muted desert tones, the collection was crafted in denim and
expressed in maroon, olive green and black. Contemporary layered silhouettes featuring linear panels like
oversized jackets, blazers, draped skirts and waistcoats, created a tactile balance between structure and
fluidity, where the embroidery gave voice to the print-led story.
MANNAT JAIN & SNEHA ALI SHETTY – FOLDED GRIDS
Mannat Jain and Sneha Ali Shetty from NIF Global Mumbai Andheri showcased ‘Folded Grids’, a
prêt-wear collection inspired by the intersection of traditional Indian Madras checks and Japanese
origami. The collection explored how flat grid patterns transformed into sculptural forms through folding,
layering and panel construction.
Developed in Madras checks, cotton twill and mid-weight cotton, the collection featured a palette of
classic tones softened with pastels and neutrals. Techniques such as origami folds, smocking, bamboo
pleats, layered panels and folded pockets created architectural yet wearable silhouettes. Structured
dresses, cropped shirts, layered vests, jackets, draped tops and wide-leg trousers came together to offer a
seamless blend of heritage and modern minimalism across menswear and womenswear.
Closing the show for the designer duo, Bollywood actress Radhika Madan redefined runway chic. She
donned a custom-tailored boxy crop shirt, popping with a multi-colored Madras check, paired seamlessly
with voluminous teal pleated pants.
AKASH SINGH – ISHQ-E-TAJ
Designer Akash Singh from NIF Global Surat presented ‘Ishq-e-Taj’, a collection inspired by the intricate
Pietra Dura craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal. Drawing from the chiselling techniques of Chennai and
Hathori, the collection translated architectural carving into fashion through a negative appliqué technique.
By cutting away the top fabric to reveal a contrasting layer beneath, the garments created a tactile,
dimensional surface reminiscent of inlay work. This was further enhanced with beadwork (Khali work)
across sleeves, collars and hems. Crafted in Russian silk and art silk, the collection was expressed in
ivory, maroon and blue, with silhouettes including structured coats, fitted dresses and princess line
one-piece garments for womenswear.
ANSHU SUMAN & MAMTA SHEORAN – THE HAN- SAW DUST
From NIF Global Jaipur, Anshu Suman and Mamta Sheoran presented ‘The Han – Saw Dust’, a collection
that explored cultural harmony by blending the elegance of Korean Hanbok with the earthy authenticity of
Rajasthani Dabu hand block printing.
By applying Dabu motifs onto Hanbok-inspired silhouettes, the collection created a dialogue between
Korea’s refined aesthetic and Rajasthan’s artisanal heritage. Crafted in cotton drill, cotton and khadi, and
expressed in indigo blue and mud brown, the line featured silhouettes such as Jeogori-inspired sleeveless
jackets, Chima-inspired A-line skirts, Baji-inspired harem pants, wrapped skirts and bow-tie details.
Rooted in sustainability, the collection catered to a conscious woman who values craftsmanship, cultural
narratives and timeless design.
Adding another dimension to the showcase, interior design students from various NIF Global centres
collaborated on the set design alongside show directors. Their creative contributions enhanced the overall
visual narrative, reinforcing the immersive quality of the presentation.
With its strong emphasis on innovation, craftsmanship and storytelling, the NIF Global ‘The Runway’
Show once again underscored its role as a vital platform for nurturing emerging talent, offering a glimpse
into the future of Indian fashion at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI.
The House of Lakmē , is India’s no.1 colour cosmetics and leading premium skincare brand from
Hindustan Unilever Ltd. The brand has been the pioneer of the make-up and colour cosmetics in India
since 1952 with 1000+ SKUs that push the trendsetting envelope of beauty and fashion. Combining
international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian consumer’s needs, the
House of Lakmē offers a comprehensive beauty experience through its extensive product portfolio, for
fashionistas to embrace beauty unapologetically. For further information, log on to: www.Lakmē
india.com
About Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI):
A non-profit organisation, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is the apex body of fashion
design in India, represented by over 400 members. Founded on the premise of promoting, nurturing, and
representing the best of fashion and design talent in the country; its prime objective is to propagate the
business of fashion. FDCI stays true to its commitment to promote the ‘Make in India’ label as handlooms
take centre stage, in a country, whose heritage is soaked in the flavours of indigenous crafts. For more
information, please visit: www.fdci.org
About Reliance Brands:
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) is a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd and began operations in
2007 with a mandate to launch and build global brands in luxury to premium segments across fashion and
lifestyle. Its current portfolio of brand partnerships comprises Armani Exchange, Armani Caffe,
Balenciaga, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, Dune, EA7, Elan
Cafe, Emporio Armani, Gas, Giorgio Armani, Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy Choo,
Kate Spade, La Martina, Lenscrafters, Manish Malhotra, Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark,
Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pret A Manger, Raghavendra Rathore, Salvatore Ferragamo,
Satya Paul, Steve Madden, Superdry, Scotch & Soda, Tiffany & Co., Tod’s, Tory Burch, Tumi, Valentino,
Versace, Villeroy & Boch, West Elm, Zegna. RBL today operates 1,621 doors split into 934 stores and
687 shop-in-shops in India. In the past five years, RBL has also invested in building and operating
homegrown designer brands besides acquiring the iconic British toy retailer Hamleys. Globally, Hamleys
has 191 stores across 14 countries.