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A Journey of Fashion, Culture, and Inspiration:
FTA Goes To Lakmé Fashion Week Mumbai
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This March, we had the incredible opportunity to immerse ourselves in the vibrant world of Indian fashion and culture. As part of our collaboration with India for the 2025 Guest Country Award, we were invited to showcase the talent of our Fashion Trust Arabia prize winners at the 25th Anniversary of Lakmé Fashion Week in Mumbai—one of the most prestigious fashion events in India. |
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Fashion Trust Arabia Prize Winners Take the Stage |
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On Saturday, 29th March at 5:00 pm, Salim Azzam (2019 Ready-to-Wear), Yousef Akbar (2020 Evening Wear), and Kazna Asker (2022 Debut Talent) graced the Lakmé Fashion Week runway, marking a debut for our talented designers in India. The excitement was palpable as they presented their latest collections, merging their unique aesthetics with the vibrant energy of Indian fashion. Their stunning creations captivated the audience, reinforcing the promise of emerging fashion voices from the MENA Region. |
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Behind the Scenes: Moments of Inspiration |
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Throughout the trip, our designers were fortunate to have exclusive behind-the-scenes access to some of the biggest names and brands in India’s fashion and retail sectors. |
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Manish Malhotra, the iconic Indian designer and couturier for graciously hosting our team at his Mumbai atelier. The private tour and in-depth discussions provided invaluable insights into the world of Indian haute couture and further fueled their creative inspirations.
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Later, we had the privilege of touring Reliance Brands Ltd. and their JIO World Drive retail operations in Mumbai. It was inspiring to witness the intersection of fashion, retail innovation, and the thriving Indian fashion industry. |
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Celebrating Indian Craftsmanship |
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One of the most enriching experiences of the trip was our visit to Swadesh, an Indian platform dedicated to promoting traditional craftsmanship, empowering rural communities, and fostering economic growth. Located at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre this initiative works to preserve India’s time-honored artisanal techniques.
Our designers were deeply moved by their encounter with local artisans, learning about age-old handicrafts and traditional art forms that continue to thrive in rural communities. This experience offered our team a deeper understanding of the connection between culture and fashion.
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The 25th Lakmé Fashion Week Gala |
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On March 31st, we were invited to attend the 25th Lakmé Fashion Week Gala. The event was a star-studded milestone celebration of India's fashion legacy, featuring 32 esteemed designers showcasing their latest collection, hosted by renowned Hollywood actor Kal Penn. Iconic Bollywood actress Kareena Kapoor also made an appearnce on stage.The gala not only highlighted the rich history of Lakmé Fashion Week but also underscored its role in shaping contemporary fashion narratives. It was an unforgettable night that left us inspired and appreciative of India's dynamic fashion scene.
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Our Recommendations for Your Next Itinerary:
Must-Visit Spots in Mumbai |
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The Trident Hotel, Bandra Kurla: We stayed at the Trident in Bandra Kurla, and it was the perfect blend of comfort and luxury. The hotel sits in the heart of Mumbai’s business district, and the rooms were bright and spacious with beautiful views of the city.
Lunch at the Arts Café, NMACC: A peaceful stop during our trip was lunch at the Arts Café inside the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre. This spot offered a calm vibe and delicious food, with locally inspired dishes. It’s a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy good food while soaking in a bit of culture.
The NMACC Launch & ‘Light into Space’ Exhibition: We also had the chance to check out the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre, which had just launched the ‘Light into Space’ exhibition. The exhibit showcased thought-provoking works from artists of the 1960s and 1970s. These groundbreaking artists, such as James Turrell, Robert Irwin, and Larry Bell, are known for their innovative explorations of light and space, creating immersive experiences that challenge our perceptions of both.
Enriching Visit to the Iconic Sabyasachi Store: During our trip, we visited the iconic Sabyasachi store in Mumbai. Known for its intricate craftsmanship, Sabyasachi Mukherjee's creations have made a significant impact on global fashion. The boutique itself was a work of art, with every corner telling a story of traditional Indian artistry. |
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We extend our sincere thanks to Reliance Brands Ltd. for making this partnership a reality, and to everyone who attended, covered, and supported our designers throughout their journey.
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