India Couture Week brings stars, style and tradition to Delhi

The Capital witnessed a whirlwind of style and spectacle as the Hyundai India Couture Week—an initiative of the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), the country’s premier fashion industry body—swept through the city from July 23 to July 30. Hosted at the Taj Palace Hotel, New Delhi, the event brought together a galaxy of Bollywood celebrities and India’s leading couturiers, transforming the city into a glittering stage of glamour, creativity and craftsmanship.

Adding star power to the shows were actors Akshay Kumar, Bhumi Pednekar, Randeep Hooda, Jim Sarbh, Tamannaah Bhatia, Rajkummar Rao, Arjun Rampal, and Tara Sutaria, among others, who were spotted in the front rows and on the ramp.

India’s top couturiers headline the week

The buzz surrounding the event owed much to the participation of 14 A-list Indian couturiers. Rahul Mishra opened the week with his collection Becoming Love, followed by showcases from celebrated designers such as Amit Aggarwal, Ritu Kumar, Tarun Tahiliani, Shantanu & Nikhil, and Suneet Varma. The closing spectacle was delivered by veteran designer JJ Valaya.

Also presenting their collections were Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla, Falguni Shane Peacock, Aisha Rao, Jayanti Reddy, Rimzim Dadu, Rose Room by Isha Jajodia, and Rohit Bal Label.

Sustainability, heritage and innovation take centre stage

This year’s edition placed a strong emphasis on sustainability and craftsmanship—the twin pillars of Indian couture. Designers highlighted the rich heritage of Indian handcrafts while seamlessly blending them with contemporary global inspirations. Age-old weaves, embroidery traditions and artisanal techniques were reimagined with modern silhouettes and aesthetics.

Even those who could not attend in person were able to watch the runway presentations via livestreams. Hyundai, the title sponsor, also launched its “Re:Style” platform, featuring fashion items created from discarded car materials—an initiative that further spotlighted eco-conscious creativity.

Designers pay homage to legacy, reinterpret classics

Several collections stood out for their distinct narratives. Tarun Tahiliani celebrated 30 years in design with Quintessence, a bridal collection that reimagined traditional heavy lehengas with a lighter, more wearable approach.

Rahul Mishra’s Becoming Love, an extension of his Paris Haute Couture line, featured Krishna Ras motifs in its embroidery, continuing his signature fusion of mythology and haute couture.

Manish Malhotra, a Bollywood favourite, hosted India’s first couture party, where guests could view iconic designs in a luxurious setting. Ritu Kumar marked five decades of design with a collection that fused traditional prints and embroidery with modern styles like jackets, bodysuits and corset blouses.

Shantanu & Nikhil rewrote the rules of menswear with Metropolis, an androgynous collection featuring military tailoring, fluid drapes and shimmer detailing. Suneet Varma returned to theatrical elegance with sensual, flowing silhouettes, while Falguni Shane Peacock unveiled an opulent collection inspired by the regal heritage of India’s princely states.

Aisha Rao’s show was a poetic tribute to nature, and Jayanti Reddy offered a youthful spin on traditional garments, pairing lehengas with jackets and capes. JJ Valaya closed the week with a lavish collection inspired by the Western imagination of Eastern opulence—rich fabrics, deep hues and unrestrained luxury defined the grand finale.

Also Read: Couture on a Roll

Beyond the runway: shopping the couture dream

The fashion frenzy doesn’t end with the shows. As an extension of the couture week, FDCI is organising the Manifest Wedding Weekend on August 2–3, 2025, at the Taj Palace. The event offers couture lovers an exclusive opportunity to shop the latest collections, exquisite jewellery, and luxurious wedding favours.

Couture as cultural celebration

Highlighting the evolving mission of India Couture Week, Sunil Sethi, chairman, FDCI, said, “Through this edition of Couture Week, we aim to not only celebrate the visionary artistry of our designers but also spotlight the timeless beauty and cultural significance of handcrafted couture. We look forward to showcasing collections that will inspire and set new trends in the fashion industry.”