LMIFW SS’20 Was All About Inclusivity

The recently concluded Lotus Makeup India Fashion week (LMIFW) presented by Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) along with its title partner Lotus Make-up was a four days extravaganza that saw top designers showcase their Spring/Summer 2020 collection. The four days of runway shows that started on 9th October, was followed by the Designer Stockroom, where India’s top designers retailed their creations at competitive prices.

The theme for the 34th edition of the biggest fashion event was all about starting a conversation. Different renditions of the theme MyFashionMyTribe was at display. It was all about communicating that fashion as a family is inclusive and all embracing be it gender, colour, ethnicity, profession, body type or age group. Fashion has always had rigid parameters in terms of what is acceptable, but this year, it made a bold attempt to break free from those shackles, looking at the spectrum of style without the rose-tinted glasses. Sunil Sethi, Chaiman FDCI said, “Our theme MyFashionMyTribe reflects the reality of the fashion world, which is an extended family. Through our event, we wanted to send out the message that differences in age, size and colour don’t matter and we, as a collective whole, can try to bring some cohesive change.”

Despite their myriad styles, Anamika Khanna’s ubiquitous capes and dhoti drapes, Manish Arora’s kitschy yet international expressions, Rajesh Pratap Singh’s heady monochromes to Wendell Rodricks’ free falling silhouettes, each one represented the country’s tradition by bridging the chasm between fantasy and functionality.

Designer Manish Arora’s glow in the dark collection ‘We are family’ inspired by the LGBTQ community represented happiness and joy with an undertone of celebration. “This season I’ve worked with more natural fabrics such as silks, various forms of cotton, and taffeta. Of course, in terms of colour, once again I am having fun. The spring-summer palette for me is very pastel but there are hints of coral pinks, peaches, mint green, bleached blues juxtaposed with fuchsia pink and lemon yellow taking the lead,” said Manish.

Designer Pawan Sachdeva’s collection ‘Trailblazer’ was all about smart dressing across gender and professions. “The oversized jackets, trench-coats, flared bottoms with experimental block prints in denim blues, mustard and greens can be worn by all and across professions,” said Pawan. His show had sports personality Manavaditya Singh Rathore and popular actor and model Muzammil Ibrahim as showstoppers.

Steering a little away from her characteristic style was Anamika Khanna as she gave the clothes a more western silhouette while keeping the classic look intact. Anamika said, “This collection is an amalgamation of different crafts from various cultures and tribes, almost like a melting pot. At the same time it's extremely modern and eclectic, with experimental shapes and layering."

Altogether a fashion event with a social message at heart pushing boundaries.