Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2026: Suneet Varma’s Kashi, Samant Chauhan’s Jaisalmer and More
Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI 2026 brought Indian craftsmanship and contemporary occasionwear to the runway. From Suneet Varma’s Kashi collection inspired by Varanasi to Samant Chauhan’s dramatic Jaisalmer presentation, here are the standout designer showcases and celebrity looks that caught attention this season
The latest edition of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI brought Indian craftsmanship, statement occasionwear and contemporary interpretations of heritage to the runway in New Delhi. Among the standout presentations were Suneet Varma’s Kashi collection, inspired by Varanasi, and Samant Chauhan’s collaboration with Jaisalmer Crafted Bar Collectibles, which brought together fashion and the art of embellishment.
Held at the Taj Palace, the October edition runs from October 13 to 18, 2026, with designers exploring different facets of Indian dressing through colour, texture, embroidery and silhouette. With the festive and wedding seasons approaching, the showcases offered plenty of inspiration for occasionwear, while demonstrating how traditional design references can find fresh expression in contemporary wardrobes.
Kashi Celebrates Varanasi
Suneet Varma’s Kashi collection drew inspiration from Varanasi, a city whose spiritual identity and centuries-old craft traditions have long shaped India’s cultural imagination. The designer translated this heritage into a contemporary occasionwear wardrobe, balancing intricate surface detailing with silhouettes suited to modern celebrations.
The collection featured draped saris, dhoti skirts, jackets, tunics, tops and trousers. Rich shades of red, purple, maroon and black lent depth to the presentation, while embroidery, handwork and textured finishes brought the garments to life.
Actor Nitanshi Goel, known for ‘Laapataa Ladies’, took on showstopper duties in a striking wine-coloured ensemble. Her strapless, fishtail silhouette featured an attached drape and layers of plum and silver paillettes that caught the runway lights. Oxidised kadas on both wrists completed the look, allowing the embellishment and fluid lines to remain the focus.
Kashi offered a reminder that Indian occasionwear need not choose between heritage and modernity. Traditional references can be expressed through silhouettes that feel polished, versatile and relevant to a new generation of dressers.
Jaisalmer Brings Texture to Runway
Samant Chauhan’s presentation with Jaisalmer Crafted Bar Collectibles took a more dramatic approach to occasionwear. The collaboration brought together the world of Indian fashion and craft spirits, with the runway look showcasing the designer’s flair for intricate detailing and sculptural volume.
Actor Pavleen Gujral walked in a floor-length black gown featuring a halter neckline and a fitted waist embellished with gold floral and foliage motifs. Three-dimensional ruffles cascaded down the voluminous skirt, creating movement and contrast against the dark base. Delicate earrings, statement rings and voluminous hair completed the ensemble without competing with its elaborate craftsmanship.
The look underscored the appeal of combining rich embellishment with a dramatic silhouette. Black and gold lent the gown a timeless eveningwear quality, while the sculptural detailing gave it a distinctly contemporary edge.
More Highlights from Runway
Other presentations added contrasting perspectives to the FDCI Lakmé Fashion Week programme. Tejasswi Prakash appeared for NIF Global’s The Runway in a burgundy pinstriped waistcoat, a grey asymmetrical skirt and a matching blazer, bringing a sharp, tailored sensibility to the showcase.
Ali Fazal, meanwhile, walked for Tasva by Tarun Tahiliani in an ivory ensemble featuring an overlapping Angrakha-style tunic, a bandhgala jacket and a pre-draped doshala.
Tonal embroidery and traditional finishing details complemented the layered silhouette, reflecting the label’s approach to contemporary Indian menswear.
Also Read: Lakmé Fashion Week: Péro x Barbie Celebrate a World Where Pink Belongs to Everyone
Across the runway, these Lakmé Fashion Week highlights illustrated the range of Indian occasionwear in 2026, from the shimmer of embellished evening looks to the structure of tailored separates and the enduring appeal of traditional menswear. Suneet Varma’s Kashi and Samant Chauhan’s Jaisalmer stood out for their distinct interpretations of craft, showing how cultural inspiration can translate into runway statements without losing its connection to Indian design traditions.