After the success of the first NEXA presents The Spotlight last season, FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week announced the winners of the 2nd edition of its one-of-a-kind program. Naushad Ali of Label Naushad Ali and the label SWGT were declared winners from a competitive selection process by a panel of industry experts
Naushad Ali
The collection “Getting out there – A ride through the dawn” is a story of a free-spirited girl breaking all ground rules and was all about the back to the future concept.
Key Elements
· Traditional Indian weaves dramatically re-interpreted with multi-hued, bold splashes of Jamdani for textured cotton, while huge imaginative checks and varying stripes in a palette comprising earth tones
· The collection has detailing like retro collars and oversized baggy shapes
Fashion Story
It was the past that Naushad Ali visited when he dreamt up his latest collection to inspire him. The many memories of his childhood surfaced to drive his creativity with the sounds, smells and flavours of days gone by. Fabrics were ingenious, organic Kala cotton naturally dyed in earthy tones and then hand woven by weavers in Gujarat. His artisans in Pondicherry beautifully crafted the final collection and completed the memorable looks visualised by the designer.
Naushad Ali on the Collection
“My collection this season is hand-woven by the artisans of Kutch using Indigenous, organic Kala Cotton, naturally dyed in the familiar yet rare hues of nature. Every garment is carefully crafted in timeless styles, extending their lifetime. I am extremely excited to be one of the winners for “NEXA presents The Spotlight” and I’m happy to present my showcase virtually at FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week this October.”
Shweta Gupta
Shweta Gupta for her label SWGT unveiled impeccable garment construction that reflected her thoughts when she grew up in Almora.
Key Elements
· Different aspects of mountains creatively incorporated in the languid, relaxed garments
· The construction and cuts techniques of the line based on the rugged amazing Himalayan range and that’s why cotton and the sheer magnificent Chanderi fabric from Central India were used
Fashion Story
It was Shweta and her label SWGT’s fashionable journey that the film revealed with the garments as the stars.
The earthy hues of the ensembles further accentuated the mood of the collection, as shades or rocks, pinecones, acorns peppered the line. Hand woven 100 percent cotton and silk Chanderi look moulded to create a heavily detailed asymmetric dress, which focused on drapes, pin tucks, hand crochet and hand weaving
Another luxuriously, fluid and voluminous hand woven, silk, striped Chanderi kaftan was textured with fine pin tucks, hand smocking, but also featured delicate glass beads and hand weaving.
Shweta Gupta, Founder and creative head SWGT
“I am excited to be a part of “NEXA Presents the Spotlight” showcase at FDCI X Lakmé Fashion Week. Original inspiration for the concept comes from my childhood experiences and local oral histories in Almora where I grew up—SWGT reflects the same connection with the mountains, people and its culture. I personify the muse as seeker, wanderer, gatherer and thinker. The film shows the journey of SWGT in finding Euphoria on purpose and resonates with NEXA’s core philosophy of ‘Create’. Inspire’.” –
Senior Executive Director, Marketing and Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited
“At NEXA, we believe in constantly evolving in our journey of providing world class lifestyle experiences and technology to our customers. Through the 2nd edition of ‘NEXA Presents The Spotlight’ we endeavour to bring to the fore
the most creative and innovative minds in the fashion industry, which resonates with our core philosophy of ‘Create. Inspire’.The response we got this season was overwhelming and we firmly believe that going forward, this initiative will become a major platform to launch budding designers in the Fashion Industry. We are delighted for Naushad Ali and Shweta Gupta of Label SWGT for emerging as the winners this season. Both their creative inspirations were about journeys, and the way the showcase has come out, it was truly remarkable & creative, exactly in line with what NEXA stands for, Create.Inspire”.
Jaspreet Chandok – Head, RISE Fashion & Lifestyle
“We at FDCI x Lakme Fashion Week believe that the new and emerging crop of designers have the power to define the future of fashion. And the second edition of ‘NEXA presents The Spotlight’ showcases our commitment towards providing them a platform to showcase their work. For the first time, we selected two designers as the winners for ‘NEXA Presents The Spotlight’ and are delighted to see what Naushad Ali and SWGT created for their audience.”
