LAKMĒ FASHION WEEK in partnership with FDCI Unveils the Future of Fashion with
‘NIF GLOBAL PRESENTS GENNEXT’ Winners
39th ‘NIF Global Presents GenNext’ Program designers Abhishek Shinde, Somya Lochan and Yash Patil
shine as winners.
National, 28th Feb 2025: Lakmē Fashion Week, in partnership with FDCI, proudly continues its legacy of empowering emerging designers through the esteemed NIF Global Presents GenNext program. Marking its 39th edition, the platform unveils its latest lineup of remarkable talent: Abhishek Shinde, Somya Lochan and Yash Patil who have earned the prestigious opportunity to showcase their groundbreaking collections at India’s official Fashion Week.
The winners of this season bring their unique creative visions to the forefront, each reflecting distinctive design aesthetics and innovation. Renowned for its dedication to nurturing fresh talent, the NIF Global Presents GenNext program offers a transformative journey, enabling designers to refine their craft and establish a foothold in the ever-evolving fashion landscape.
As the 39th edition heralds a new wave of creativity, these trailblazing designers are set to make a significant contribution to the vibrant tapestry of Indian fashion and beauty. This announcement highlights the organisers’ steadfast commitment to championing the next generation of designers on both national and international platforms.
The NIF Global Presents GenNext Designer Program stands as one of the most prominent platforms for discovering emerging talent, having launched the careers of over 250 designers across 38 seasons. Esteemed alumni include Rahul Mishra, Pero By Aneeth Arora, Masaba Gupta, Kanika Goyal, Dhruv Kapoor, and many more. Each season’s winners are awarded a fully sponsored show by NIF Global, a leading design institute, allowing them to present their collections at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. This opportunity provides invaluable industry exposure and a chance to collaborate with top-tier professionals in the fashion world.
Each season, the NIF Global Presents GenNext program received an overwhelming response with entries pouring in from all corners of India. This year, the shortlisted designers presented their collections to an esteemed panel of judges comprising- Falguni & Shane Peacock, Iconic Indian Fashion Designer; Mehernaaz Dhondy Editor-in-Chief at Grazia India, Worldwide Media; Ami Patel Celebrity Fashion Stylist; Sunanda Khaitan Vice President Lakme; Sabina Chopra, Mentor and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands.
Introducing the newest set of NIF Global Presents GenNext designers, Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmé said, “The NIF Global Presents GenNext program has been a crucial part of Lakme Fashion Week X FDCI’s journey, and we look forward to seeing the new confluence of young designers making their mark on the runway this season. From giving some of the nation’s most creative minds a steppingstone into the fashion industry to mentoring and empowering newer talent across the country, the platform has significantly impacted the Indian and Global fashion industry. Aligned with Lakmē’s vision, the initiative’s steadfast commitment to excellence and unique passion for innovation and creativity, continues to foster the growth of new talent, which is essential for the vitality and diversity of the fashion ecosystem.”
Speaking on the NIF Global Presents GenNext program Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands said, “The NIF Global Presents GenNext program continues to be a defining pillar of our mission to identify and elevate emerging designers. This season’s winners have brought forward extraordinary creativity and unique perspectives, reaffirming our belief in the power of new talent to shape the future of fashion.”
39TH BATCH OF NIF Global PRESENTS GENNEXT DESIGNERS:
Information on the designer and the collection:
Designer Name: Abhishek Shinde
Brand Name: Abhichiq
City: Navi Mumbai
“CIAO” Sicilian-inspired, our collection blends radiant sun, rustic charm, and Mediterranean fantasy. With fruit and floral prints, carnival stripes, color blocking, and retro tailoring, it creates a timeless, artisanal wardrobe for sunlit adventures.
In image: Model sporting garment by AbhichiqInformation on the designer and the collection:
Designer Name: Somya Lochan
Brand Name: Quarter
City: Delhi
‘Dichotomy of Loss’ delves into the deeply personal nature of grief. In an experiment, five individuals shared their perspectives on grief and were given a shirt, pants, and scissors to cut as their grief guided them in the moment. The collection draws from the physical and psychological outcomes of this process, exploring grief as a unique, unbounded journey without rules or conclusions.It transcends dimensions, defying logic, and serves as a poignant reflection on universal loss.
In image: Model sporting garment by Quarter Information on the designer and the collection:
Designer Name: Yash Patil
Brand Name: That Antiquepiece
City: New Delhi
Inspired by the archival photographs of The Rana queens of Nepal from 1870’s to 1950s, with abundance in resources and inspiration from their European counterparts resulted in their imagination running wild; thus creating breathtaking fashion and visual imagery in the foothills of Himalayas.
About Lakmē:
Lakmē, is India’s no.1 colour cosmetics and leading premium skincare brand from Hindustan Unilever Ltd. Lakmē has been the pioneer of the make-up and colour cosmetics in India since 1952 by launching numerous trends leading and high-performance products. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian woman’s needs, Lakmē offers women a comprehensive beauty experience through its extensive product portfolio. For Further information, log on to www.lakmēIndia.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