Pearl Academy Explored Creative Process In Times Driven By AI at
Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI
Pearl Academy presented C’est Magnifique fAIntastique, questioning what creativity is as human intelligence intermingles with AI
Mumbai, March 22nd, 2026: First Cut is an initiative by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Pearl Academy that places emerging designers on the same platform as established names in the industry. It is designed to give raw talent the visibility and professional context of a major fashion showcase. Each year, the show is built around a narrative drawn from the present moment. The collections reflect something that has just happened or is currently unfolding in the world, allowing young designers to interpret contemporary realities through fashion.
Pearl Academy presented ‘C’est Magnifique fAIntastique’, a student showcase exploring ideas of magnificence through the fast-paced and evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Human Intelligence (HI) in creativity. The presentation took place at the Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI under the First Cut platform on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at noon.
While human intelligence shapes intention, craft, cultural relevance and emotional depth, AI emerged as an enabler within the creative journey. The showcase was divided into three chapters — Magnificent as Mastery, highlighting precision and craftsmanship; Magnificent as Meaning, focusing on cultural context and emotional resonance; and Magnificent as Grandeur and Scale, exploring bold expressions of ambition and creative vision.
The showcase brought together student voices from diverse disciplines at Pearl Academy, questioning what defines meaningful contemporary fashion in a nuanced format. “Students are the future of tomorrow and Pearl Academy has been nurturing talent for the last two decades, their unrehearsed, original thought process brings forth a new way of engaging with a tech-savvy audience. The theme this year is also in keeping with the engaging intersection between tech and humans, which is only going to get more intense in the coming years,” said Sunil Sethi, FDCI Chairman.
About House of Lakmē :
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 Lakme 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.