On Wednesday, we attended Lakme Fashion Week‘s INIFD shows, both “GENNEXT” and “LAUNCHPAD,” which provide a platform for new designers to launch themselves. It’s a significant opportunity for new designers, as LFW is India’s most prestigious fashion week, often compared to international events like NYFW or PFW. It wasn’t surprising that these designers brought their A-game. However, what truly astonished me was when, for the first time in my life, I saw a model my height walk the runway. For context, I’m quite short—only 5 feet tall, Indian fashion really is changing the game. The remarkable body positivity on display during these shows was the best part. What made it even more impressive was that it wasn’t a forced “body positive” showcase or an attempt to appear “diverse.” These shows featured models of all types, and the effect was that body positivity became normalized.

The new generation of fashion designers worldwide is displaying a more forward-thinking approach.

They are creating designs that cater to various body types, emphasising ethical production, and using sustainable materials. While this may seem like the bare minimum to us, the fashion industry has faced decades of criticism for its lack of transparency, ethics, and overall impact on society. It’s no surprise that many new designers want their legacies to represent more than just fashion. The leap taken by the Indian fashion designers at Lakme Fashion Week shows that Indian fashion designers may be years ahead of their counterparts in implementing these changes. In simple terms, they’re being absolute trailblazers.

Lakme Fashion Week attracts top celebrities, buyers, and stylists in India.

Despite being one of the most ethnically diverse nations globally, India has often struggled with inclusivity. Even today, many people face discrimination based on their height, body size, skin colour, or eye shape. Hatred of this sort can be found abundantly on the social media profiles of influencers, celebrities, and even media outlets that choose to feature specific individuals. So, taking this bold step can be daunting, especially for new designers who could easily become embroiled in a digital war with critics. Nevertheless, this confident step forward marks the beginning of a more secure and inclusive environment in TV and media for everyone.

The gasps of amazement heard during the shows underscore the direct impact these events have on people, including myself. Many watched in awe as, for the first time in their lives, they saw people of their shapes, gender identities, sizes, ages, and colours dressed in stunning and aesthetically pleasing outfits. At the forefront of this movement was “No Grey Area,” a brand created by Indian fashion designer Arnav Malhotra. Truly INIFD did a wonderful job, as Anaita Shroff Adajania, a renowned celebrity stylist, shared on her Instagram, “The collection brings a refreshing sense of fluidity, setting a whole new standard for effortless dressing.” Some of the designers from “Launchpad” also embraced this approach, and the impact was amplified with the inclusion of Showstopper Hina Khan, an Indian actress known for her dynamic energy, who transitioned from Indian TV to the global stage. These refreshing perspectives were further enhanced by shows like “Abraham & Thakore” and R|Elan’s “Circular Designer Challenge” and Geisha Designs by Paras & Shalini.

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A post shared by Anaita Shroff Adajania (@anaitashroffadajania)

Showcasing a mesmerising blend of feminine and masculine energies.

Featuring more gender-neutral collections, with men confidently wearing skirts and colours like pink and orange. Women were elegantly fitted into a range of power suits and flared silhouettes, combining sexiness and sophistication. Neutral colours like greys, nudes, and whites were used almost artistically to express the women within the clothes. The Indian fashion scene is truly taking the world by storm, and it’s a revolution that no one saw coming.

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XoXo TheQueen.