Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI
Announcement of the 41st Edition of NIF Global Presents GenNext
Lakmē Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), has announced the 41st edition of NIF Global Presents GenNext, continuing its legacy as India’s most influential platform for emerging fashion designers. Recognised as a launchpad for new creative voices, GenNext remains central to shaping the future of the Indian fashion industry by spotlighting originality, experimentation, and forward-thinking design.
For its 41st edition, the program introduces a new generation of designers—Jubinav Chadha, Taarini Anand, and Saim Ghani—selected for their distinctive creative identities and contemporary approach to fashion design. Each designer brings a unique point of view, reflecting the evolving language of Indian fashion and the growing confidence of young talent on a national stage.
Through NIF Global Presents GenNext, the selected designers will debut their collections on the Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI runway, gaining unparalleled industry access, national exposure, and mentorship. The platform places emerging designers at the intersection of creativity, commercial opportunity, and professional growth—an essential stepping stone for building long-term, influential fashion labels.
Over the years, GenNext has become a cornerstone of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, supported by the collective vision of Lakmē, FDCI, Reliance, and NIF Global. With 40 successful editions completed, the initiative has launched the careers of over 250 fashion designers, many of whom have gone on to build globally recognised brands and influential design practices.
Renowned alumni including Rahul Mishra, Aneeth Arora of Pero, Akshat Bansal of Bloni, Ruchika Sachdeva of Bodice, and Masaba Gupta exemplify GenNext’s enduring impact on the Indian and international fashion landscape. Their journeys reflect how the platform has consistently identified and nurtured talent that shapes contemporary Indian fashion.
The NIF Global Presents GenNext program continues to attract strong interest from emerging designers across India. For this edition, shortlisted participants presented their collections before a distinguished jury comprising Manish Malhotra (Fashion Designer), Rochelle Pinto (Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India), Edward Lalrempuia (Fashion Stylist), Raisa Chakravarty (Head of Innovations, Lakmē), Jaspreet Chandok (Group Vice President, Reliance Brands), and Sabina Chopra (NIF Global GenNext Mentor).
Commenting on the continued evolution of the platform, Sunanda Khaitan, CMO, Beauty & Wellbeing, Hindustan Unilever, said,
“GenNext has long been integral to the Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI platform, spotlighting designers who are shaping the future of Indian fashion with originality and purpose. Every edition introduces us to new creative voices whose work reflects innovation and a forward-looking design sensibility. Through this program, we continue to provide a strong launchpad for emerging talent, reaffirming Lakmē’s commitment to nurturing creativity and supporting a dynamic, future-facing fashion landscape.”
Sharing NIF Global’s perspective on nurturing young creators, Shaunik Khosla, Business Head, NIF Global, added,
“‘NIF Global presents GenNext’ is not just a showcase—it is our commitment to shaping the future of fashion and interior design. At NIF Global, we go beyond education; we empower young creators with the vision, originality, and confidence to emerge as industry leaders. At Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, GenNext is where talent meets opportunity, and we are proud to lead that journey.”
Adding to this, Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands, said,
“The NIF Global presents GenNext program supports designers at a pivotal stage in their journey, helping them bring their ideas and vision to life. As we mark the 41st edition, we celebrate individuality and creativity, reinforcing our belief in nurturing the talent that will define the future of Indian fashion.”
Delhi-based designer presents Postcard from Valley of Flowers, a collection inspired by Uttarakhand’s iconic Valley of Flowers.
Jubinav Chadha’collection
Translating landscapes into textiles, the collection features quilting, patchwork, and postcard-inspired prints, with latitudes and longitudes woven into the fabric. Intricate floral embroidery and earthy tones ground the designs, while modern yet classic silhouettes capture a refined sense of escapism rooted in contemporary Indian fashion.
Syed Saim Ghani
Mumbai-based designer draws inspiration from traditional Indian mythology, temple sculptures, and historic drapery techniques.
Celebrating the human form, the collection translates ornamentation and classical drapes into sculpted patchwork layered over sheer fabrics. The result is a sensual yet mysterious design language that reimagines traditional Indian clothing through a contemporary lens, evolving heritage into modern, expressive fashion.
Syed Saim Ghani’s Collection
Taarini Anand
Mumbai-based designer Taarini Anand draws inspiration from the historic murals of the Ajanta Caves for her FW26/27 collection. Referencing tilted postures, mineral blues, reds, and pinks, along with jewelled ornamentation and their time-worn patina, the collection translates pigment memory into melange hand knitting. Silhouettes are shaped by drape, weight, and stillness, creating a contemplative design language that bridges heritage art with contemporary fashion expression.
Taarini Anand’s Collection
With each new edition, Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI GenNext continues to strengthen its role as a defining platform for emerging Indian designers—bridging creative ambition with industry opportunity and shaping the next chapter of India’s fashion future.
