Lakme Fashion Week 2024: Top 8 Trends That Stole the Show

Table of contents

• Bold Silhouettes
• Sustainable Statements
• Celebration of Craft and Culture
• Modernity Marries Tradition
• The Power of Prints and Patterns
• The Comfort Code
• Statement Accessories
• Streetwear Takes Center Stage

 

The 49th edition of Lakme Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), took place over five days, from March 13th to March 17th, 2024, at Mumbai’s Jio World Convention Centre. This event serves as a platform to showcase the finest work of fashion designers from India, offering a glimpse into the upcoming trends for the 2024 season. Below is the list of trends which stole the show:

8 Fashion Trends That Redefine This Fashion Season

1. Bold Silhouettes

These are some prominent designs prevailing in LFW 2024, showing designs which show a strong statement on the runway.  Some prominent statements which stole the show are:

• Exaggerated Proportions:

Indian designers focused on oversized shoulders, sleeves, and skirts/pants, creating drama and catching everyone’s attention. For instance, a renowned designer Rahul Mishra showcased his ready-to-wear luxury label to the world, which is both practical and artistic. His collection is inspired by nature, utilising a single colour and texture with exaggerated proportions, showcasing artistic work.

 

• Structural Shapes:

These are architectural inspired designs focused on sharp shapes and geometric forms. For instance, collections by Shantanu Nikhil their garments were structured and architectural garments. 

                                     

• Asymmetric Hemlines:

Asymmetric designs created an edgy look to any garment i.e either front is higher or back is higher. They were the real showstoppers in LFW 24. Aseem and Pooja’s collection “Ambi” which is uneven draping inspired by Indian sadhus (sages) gives a unique regional Bohemian feel.  

                                           

• Draped and wrapped:

Styles introduce innovative draping techniques, infusing garments with depth and fluidity. These methods amplify volume and impart a bold, dynamic essence to attire. Characterised by intricate folds and strategic placements, they redefine conventional silhouettes, offering a contemporary and striking aesthetic to fashion enthusiasts.

• Deconstruct Designs:

It is basically an idea of breaking down a garment and re-making them into traditional shapes or it can also mean getting raw edges, exposed seams and distressed textiles which gives the whole look of unfinished design process. 

• Layered Looks:

it helps in making many layer designs with contrasting fabrics, colours and lengths to depict various kinds of ensembles. For instance, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s capsule collection focused a lot of layering and varied fabrics.

• Empire Waistlines:

Accentuating the upper body with a high placement, these waistlines allow fabric to cascade freely over the torso. This design choice elongates the wearer's silhouette, evoking a sense of grace and fluidity. By drawing attention upwards, it flatters various body types and offers a timeless, elegant aesthetic to garments.

• Fitted bodice with flared bottoms:

It means silhouettes having fitted bodices and flared bottoms. For instance, Itrh Rajdeep Ranawat’s collection showcasing the same. 

• Sculpted Drapery:

It is a technique in which fabric is made around the body creating drama and visually appealing silhouettes that are easy flowing. It was shown in Rahul Mishra’s newest collection “Sculpt.” 

2. Sustainable Statements

At LFW 2024, there was a notable emphasis on the intersection of elegance and sustainability, a response to the growing awareness among consumers regarding the environmental impact of the fashion industry. Designers, such as Urvashi Kaur, were at the forefront of this movement, showcasing their commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Urvashi Kaur's collection exemplified a harmonious blend of timeless silhouettes and eco-conscious designs. What set her apart was her innovative use of materials; the entire set was crafted using tetra pack materials, showcasing a remarkable dedication to environmental responsibility. This choice not only highlighted her brand's commitment to sustainability but also demonstrated the creative potential of upcycling and repurposing materials.

Under the project name 'Renew,' Kaur's collection emphasised contemporary aesthetics while staying true to zero-waste principles and various upcycling techniques. Each garment presented during the fashion show served as a testament to the brand's dedication to slow fashion. By focusing on quality craftsmanship, enduring style, and eco-friendly practices, Kaur reaffirmed her commitment to sustainability while offering consumers fashion choices that align with their values.

Through her collection, Kaur not only showcased the beauty of eco-friendly fashion but also inspired others within the industry to rethink their approaches and embrace more sustainable practices. Lakme Fashion Week 2024 thus became a platform for promoting positive change within the fashion industry, where style and sustainability seamlessly coexist. 

At Lakme Fashion Week 2024, another designer brand, JJV Kapurthala by JJ Valaya, presented a look made from eco-friendly fabrics like R|Elan GreenGold, crafted from recycled PET bottles. They also utilised innovative technologies such as R|Elan Kooltex, ensuring both style and sustainability.

3. Celebration of Craft and Culture

The spotlight was on celebrating craftsmanship and culture through the display of textiles, colours and patterns. Gaurang Shah's collection exemplified a seamless blend of tradition and innovative techniques. Drawing inspiration from India's vibrant music and dance traditions, Shah's collection focused on showcasing various fabrics in his sarees and lehengas, while also portraying cultural motifs through his craftsmanship.

Shah's palette predominantly featured shades of pink, evoking feelings of femininity, grace, and vitality. His designs aimed to capture the joy associated with Indian festivities, achieved through meticulous embroidery and embellishments.

Through his collection, Shah aimed to highlight India's rich cultural heritage and its timeless essence. Each piece served as a tribute to the country's diverse traditions and craftsmanship, reflecting the beauty and elegance inherent in Indian culture.

4. Modernity Marries Tradition

This theme takes centre stage at Lakme Fashion Week, where the focus lies on capturing a blend of contemporary flair while designers showcase magnificent collections that seamlessly blend modern aesthetics with traditional techniques. One such designer, Varun Chakkilam, unveiled his collection 'Lenora,' which epitomised opulence through its exquisite embellishments and luxurious fabrics. Adding star power to his showcase, Sara Ali Khan graced the ramp as the showstopper, perfectly embodying the essence of the collection.

Sara mesmerised in a lehenga adorned with intricate dori embroidery, delicate glass beads, and sparkling Swarovski crystals. Her presence on the runway beautifully complemented the grandeur and elegance of Varun Chakkilam's creations.

The colour palette chosen by the designer further enhanced the allure of the bridal ensembles. Shades like pink, pastel pink, pristine white, creamy hues, and tones of green dominated the collection, adding a sense of romanticism and sophistication.

Varun Chakkilam's showcase at Lakme Fashion Week not only celebrated the union of contemporary and traditional elements but also exemplified the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship in Indian couture. His meticulous attention to detail and choice of colours ensured that each ensemble exuded timeless charm and unmatched beauty, making a lasting impression on the audience.

5. The Power of Prints and Patterns

The power of prints and patterns harnesses the emotive potential of prints and patterns to imbue collections with distinct character and charm. It emphasises their capacity to evoke feelings and sentiments, becoming conduits for self-expression and storytelling within fashion. These motifs possess an innate ability to captivate attention, enriching garments with captivating interest and elevating their overall aesthetic appeal.

Fashion designers continually explore new patterns, prints, and techniques as avenues for creative expression. Their innovation pushes boundaries and sets trends, shaping the ever-evolving landscape of fashion. At Lakme Fashion Week, designers Gauri and Nainika showcased this concept flawlessly, opting for an elegant and minimalistic approach centred around floral prints.

Their collection showcased a refined palette of colours, including shades of magenta, light pink, and silver. These hues complemented the delicate floral motifs, adding depth and sophistication to each ensemble. The designers' meticulous attention to detail ensured that each print was thoughtfully integrated, enhancing the overall coherence and visual impact of the collection.

Through their showcase, Gauri and Nainika demonstrated how the strategic use of prints and patterns can evoke a sense of understated elegance and refinement. Their collection served as a testament to the enduring allure and versatility of textile artistry in the realm of fashion, illustrating its power to inspire.

6. The Comfort Code

It is essentially a focus on comfortable, practical, and wearable garments over extravagance. Designers prioritise relaxed silhouettes and breathable fabrics, moving away from formality. This trend encompasses styles like athleisure, loungewear, and casual chic, featuring cosy garments such as loose-fitting trousers and oversized shirts. Neutral colours, including soft hues of beige, ivory, and muted pastels, dominate the palette.

At Lakme Fashion Week, brands like Chola the Label epitomised this ethos with their showcase of comfortable clothing infused with feminist themes. Their collection featured easy and breezy pieces, including kaftans, baggy co-ord sets, and asymmetrical shirt-style peplum tops. Notably, they presented a white top with layered ruffled style hem and front button detailing, adding a touch of sophistication to the relaxed aesthetic.

7. Statement Accessories

During Lakme Fashion Week 2024, designers presented bold and innovative pieces that added an extra layer of drama to their stunning garments. The runway was adorned with oversized earrings and chunky necklaces, embellished with colourful gemstones, creating a striking visual impact. Beyond jewellery, designers also crafted statement belts, bold headgear, and embellished handbags to further elevate their collections.

The oversized earrings and chunky necklaces were not merely accessories but served as focal points of the ensembles, drawing attention and adding a touch of glamour. These pieces were meticulously designed with intricate details, showcasing the designers' creativity and attention to craftsmanship.

In addition to traditional jewellery, statement belts, bold headgear, and embellished handbags were also prominently featured on the runway. These accessories played a pivotal role in enhancing the overall aesthetic of the outfits, creating a sense of drama and excitement.

The use of statement accessories during Lakme Fashion Week 2024 reflected a trend towards bold and daring fashion choices. Designers pushed the boundaries of traditional accessories, opting for larger-than-life pieces that made a statement and captured the imagination of the audience.

8. Streetwear Takes Center Stage

Streetwear, with its roots in urban culture, has evolved into a prominent fashion trend characterised by its casual, comfortable, and bold styles. Emerging from influences such as skateboarding, hip-hop, and surf culture, streetwear has garnered a dedicated following worldwide. Brands like Supreme, Off-White, and Palace have achieved iconic status, attracting fervent fans who eagerly await each new release.

The significance of streetwear in the fashion industry is exemplified by its inclusion in prestigious events like Lakme Fashion Week. This platform, traditionally associated with high-end couture, now embraces the growing influence of street style. On Day 1 of Lakme Fashion Week, brands like "All You Can Street" showcase their collections, signalling a shift towards embracing the aesthetics of the street.

Furthermore, Lakme Fashion Week has made efforts to spotlight emerging talent in the streetwear scene, particularly focusing on men's fashion. Brands such as Jaywalking, Countrymade, and Rishtha by Arjun Saluja have been featured, providing a platform for up-and-coming designers to showcase their urban-inspired creations.

This integration of streetwear into mainstream fashion events reflects its enduring impact and relevance. As the boundaries between high fashion and street style continue to blur, events like Lakme Fashion Week serve as a testament to the evolution and acceptance of streetwear within the broader fashion landscape.

To sum it up, Lakme Fashion Week 2024 showcased a diverse array of trends that captivated audiences and reflected the dynamic nature of the fashion industry. Bold silhouettes stole the spotlight with exaggerated proportions, structural shapes, asymmetric hemlines, draped styles, and deconstructed designs. Sustainability emerged as a key focus, with designers like Urvashi Kaur leading the charge with eco-conscious collections crafted from innovative materials. 

Celebration of craft and culture celebrated India's rich heritage, while modernity married tradition in collections like Varun Chakkilam's 'Lenora,' blending contemporary flair with traditional techniques. The power of prints and patterns was evident in Gauri and Nainika elegant showcase, while the comfort code underscored inclusivity and wearability. Statement accessories added drama and glamour to ensembles, and streetwear took centre stage, merging urban influences with high fashion. Lakme Fashion Week 2024 showcased a convergence of creativity, sustainability, and inclusivity, reaffirming its status as a platform for pushing fashion boundaries and embracing diverse perspectives.

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