25 Years, 25 Iconic Moments at Lakmē Fashion Week

This week, Lakmē Fashion Week (LFW), in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Reliance, will mark a milestone—25 years of shaping Indian fashion.

From its early days at The Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai to its upcoming showcase at Jio World Convention Centre, the journey has been nothing short of evolutionary. The Lakmē Fashion Week has been a battleground of creativity, a launchpad for emerging talent, and a spectacle where Bollywood, business, and couture collide in the most dramatic ways. After all these years, it has remained the definitive voice of Indian fashion—defying conventions and setting new trends every season.

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From the groundbreaking introduction of the ‘Gen Next’ program, which launched names like Rahul Mishra, to the spectacle of Bollywood showstoppers redefining runway walks, LFW has continuously rewritten the rules of fashion presentation. It has championed inclusivity with India’s first plus-size model hunt, shattered taboos with moments like Carol Gracias’ maternity walk, and propelled Indian designers onto the global stage, with the likes of Gaurav Gupta making waves at Paris Haute Couture Week.

25 Iconic Moments at Lakmē Fashion Week

In celebrating 25 years of LFW, we look back at 25 defining moments that have shaped the fabric of Indian fashion.

The Inaugural Showcase (1999)

The debut edition of LFW saw 33 designers from across India presenting their prêt collections in Delhi. The show at Taj Palace Convention Centre went on for over seven days and hosted 27 shows.The energy was raw, the ambitions high, and Indian fashion had found its first structured platform.

Sabyasachi’s ‘Kashgaar Bazaar’ (2002)

A defining moment for genius Sabyasachi Mukherjee. His game-changing debut collection fused colonial Calcutta’s romance with bohemian street style, and transported audiences to a world of vintage nostalgia.

Manish Malhotra’s Bollywood Revolution (Early 2000s)

Lakme Fashion Week - Manish Malhotra with Kajol and Preity ZintaGetty Images

Malhotra cemented the concept of the celebrity showstopper, bringing Shah Rukh Khan and Kareena Kapoor to the runway—sparking a trend that remains unique to Indian fashion weeks.

Kareena’s Maternity Walk (2016)

Kareena Kapoor Khan walks for Sabyasachi at Lakme Fashion Week in 2016.Pinterest

Long before Rihanna made pregnancy fashion a fashion moment, Kareena Kapoor Khan did it first at LFW, glowing as she walked for Sabyasachi in an embroidered lehenga.

Naomi Campbell Walks for Charity (2009)

Supermodel Naomi Campbell walks the runway at the Mai Mumbai show at Lakme India Fashion Week Autumn/Winter 2009 at Grand Hyatt Chirag Wakaskar/Getty Images

Supermodel Naomi Campbell lent her star power to LFW, walking for the Maharashtra Flood Relief Charity Show and cementing the event’s global relevance.

The Rise of Gen Next Designers (2000s-Present)

A model showcases a creation by Indian designer Masaba Gupta on the second day of Lakme Fashion Week (LFW)Ritam Banerjee/Getty Images

The Gen Next program was introduced as a launchpad for emerging designers, and over the years, it has propelled the careers of some of India’s biggest names. Masaba Gupta, Rahul Mishra, Nachiket Barve, and Aneeth Arora are just a few of the talents who found their footing through this initiative. Today, it remains one of LFW’s most significant contributions to the fashion industry, continuously shaping the future of Indian design.

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India’s First Plus-Size Show (2016)

Fashion designer Little Shilpa during fittings session with the plus size model for the Lakme Fashion Week at Jogeshwari on August 17, 2016 in Mumbai, India. Arijit Sen/Hindustan Times via Getty Images

In a groundbreaking move, LFW hosted India’s first-ever plus-size fashion show, curated by designer Shilpa Chavan of Little Shilpa. The show challenged traditional beauty standards, offering representation to body types often ignored by the mainstream fashion industry.

Sushmita Sen’s Comeback Walk (2018)

After a health hiatus, the former Miss Universe returned to the ramp, embodying resilience and timeless glamour. Walking for designer Sunita Shanker, she received a standing ovation, marking a poignant moment in her career.

Zeenat Aman’s Electrifying Walk (2023)

At 71, the Bollywood legend walked for Shahin Mannan in a bold red pantsuit.

Tabu's Return to the Ramp (2019)

After years away from the runway, Tabu walked the ramp for designer Gaurav Gupta at Lakme Fashion Week in 2019.

FDCI and Lakmē Fashion Week's Historic Merger (2021)

In an unprecedented move, two of India’s biggest fashion entities—the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and Lakmē Fashion Week—came together to present a unified fashion week. This merger marked a new era of collaboration in Indian fashion, bringing together the best of both platforms.

Péro x Hello Kitty Collaboration (2024)

In an unexpected yet delightful crossover, designer Aneeth Arora’s label, Péro, collaborated with Hello Kitty for a whimsical collection at LFW 2024. Blending nostalgia with contemporary fashion, the collection featured vibrant colors, playful motifs, and an effortlessly youthful aesthetic.

Abraham & Thakore’s Upcycled Couture (2024)

Sustainability took center stage as Abraham & Thakore presented a collection crafted entirely from upcycled materials. Garbage bags, old CDs, and discarded fabrics were transformed into high-fashion ensembles, making a bold statement on luxury and waste.

Transgender Representation (2017)

Nepalese model Anjali Lama made history as the first transgender model to walk the LFW runway. Her presence was a powerful moment for diversity and representation in Indian fashion, signaling a shift towards greater inclusivity in the industry.

First Cruise Show (2017)

Monisha Jaising presented a collection aboard a luxury cruise liner, turning the runway into an experience.

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Cirque du Soleil at LFW (2018)

The fashion-meets-performance moment saw Cirque du Soleil artists mesmerize audiences at a grand finale show.

Gaurav Gupta’s Global Breakthrough (2022)

His sculptural couture caught international attention, eventually dressing Beyoncé and debuting at Paris Haute Couture Week.

Indian Textile Day (2009-Present)

Originally designed to celebrate traditional textiles, the now “Sustainable Fashion Day” has evolved into LFW’s most important initiatives, blending fashion with conscious choices every year.

'Save Our Tigers' Initiative (2013)

A model showcases designs during the Save our Tigers show on the runway during day five of Lakme Fashion Week Summer/Resort 2013Chirag Wakaskar/WireImage

For the first time, the LFW runway became a runway for activism with the ‘Save Our Tigers’ initiative. 40 designers united to create a striking collection that advocated for tiger conservation.

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First Digital Edition (2020)

The pandemic forced LFW to innovate, moving to a digital format and revolutionizing how fashion was presented in India.

Tarun Tahiliani’s OTT Luxury Prêt Collection (2024)

Known for his opulent bridal couture, Tarun Tahliani took a bold step recently with his luxury prêt collection, OTT. His collection is a bold fusion of heritage and contemporary design, proving that ready-to-wear can still be extravagant.

Carol Gracias’ Baby Bump Moment (2016)

The supermodel made headlines as she walked for designer Gaurang Shah while she was visible pregnant. Her appearance sparked widespread conversations around inclusivity and body positivity.

Rohit Bal’s Return (2024)

After a prolonged health setback, the late Rohit Bal made a dazzling comeback at LFW 2024. His collection was an ode to Indian heritage, featuring intricate hand embroidery and Kashmiri influences.

Shades of India x Kranti (2017)

LFW has often merged fashion with social impact, and in 2017, Shades of India partnered with the NGO Kranti to empower girls from Mumbai’s red-light districts. Instead of professional models, the show featured young women who shared their stories through spoken word and fashion.

Padma Lakshmi’s Smouldering Strut (2017)

The supermodel and TV-host walked for Tarun Tahiliani in 2017, in a walk that left everyone stunned. Clad in an exquisitely draped saree-gown hybrid, she exuded confidence, elegance, and power, reminding everyone why she remains an enduring fashion icon.