By Bharti Goyal and Himanshi Garg, NIF Global Gurugram
We are Bharti Goyal and Himanshi Garg from NIF Global Gurugram, and we’re beyond thrilled to share the exhilarating experience of our debut at the 25th Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) 2025. Being selected to showcase our collection on India’s most prestigious fashion platform was not just a dream come true—it was a powerful affirmation of our creativity, hard work, and the unwavering mentorship we received at NIF Global.
Lakmé Fashion Week, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), has been a beacon for innovation, sustainability, and fresh talent in the fashion industry for over 25 years. NIF Global’s initiative, The Runway, is designed to spotlight promising student designers across campuses—and we were honored to be among those selected from over 250 applicants nationwide.
Our collection, Shift, drew inspiration from the futuristic and fluid architecture of the legendary Zaha Hadid. We explored unconventional materials like TPU, flannel, poly knit, and PVC, layering them with neon thread tufting to create bold, multifunctional silhouettes. The color palette—featuring cherry lacquer, retro blue, and beige—reflected the dynamic energy of Hadid’s design philosophy.
Three days before the big day, we arrived in Mumbai—the city buzzing with fashion energy. Our first stop was the LFW venue, where we met the dedicated logistics team. Their help in unpacking and preparing our garments was crucial in ensuring everything was show-ready.
We then worked closely with the talented styling team, who helped fine-tune our looks. Meeting Mr. Neeraj Gaba, the show director, and Daniel, the creative director, was a pivotal moment. Their guidance on enhancing the impact of our presentation on the runway was both insightful and inspiring. Hearing their appreciation for the uniqueness of Shift filled us with pride and renewed confidence.
On the day of the show, we reached the venue early to collect our IDs and head backstage. The energy backstage was electric—teams moving swiftly, models prepping, and last-minute fittings underway. We helped with everything from steaming garments to assisting models, ensuring each look was runway-ready.
Rehearsals, led by Mr. Gaba, were conducted with precision. His eye for detail ensured every model and designer understood their sequence, bringing a sense of calm and confidence.
As the showtime neared, excitement and nerves battled within us. But the moment our names were announced, adrenaline took over. Watching our creations come alive on the ramp was indescribable—a surreal culmination of months of hard work, late nights, and unrelenting passion.
After the showcase, we participated in media interviews where we got to share our inspirations, process, and experience. The backstage team swiftly helped pack our collection, and we finally had a moment to soak it all in.
Over the next two days, we attended other designer showcases, drawing inspiration from the eclectic mix of styles, silhouettes, and craftsmanship. We had the privilege of interacting with renowned designers, actors, influencers, and the Lakmé Fashion Week team—each conversation adding a new layer to our learning.
We are deeply grateful to NIF Global for providing us this life-changing platform. Their commitment to nurturing young talent and promoting responsible fashion is truly commendable. This journey has validated our vision and motivated us to keep evolving, experimenting, and dreaming big.
To every aspiring designer out there: dream fearlessly, work relentlessly, and embrace every opportunity. Platforms like Lakmé Fashion Week are not just for the seasoned—they’re for the passionate, the persistent, and the prepared.
Thank you for being a part of our story. This is just the beginning.
