There are moments in life that arrive quietly but change everything—and for us, that moment came wrapped in excitement and challenge when we first heard the announcement: an opportunity to showcase our designs at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI. The theme was Urban Nomadism. A powerful, layered idea that sparked something within us from the very first moment. Little did we know, this opportunity would become one of the most transformative experiences of our lives as young designers.
As soon as the theme was revealed, our minds began to race. Who is the urban nomad? What do they wear? We imagined the modern traveler—a soul constantly on the move, navigating bustling cities, ever-shifting environments, and both digital and physical spaces. They seek comfort but crave style. They need garments that are functional yet futuristic—pieces that speak both to the now and the next.
From the very beginning, we knew we didn’t want to play it safe. We dove into sketching, ideating, and mood-boarding relentlessly. The silhouettes had to be structured yet flowy—able to hold their form but move with the body effortlessly. The color palette had to reflect the earthiness of the wanderer—grounded and warm—but we also wanted that edge. That unexpected pop. That’s where iridescent PVC material came into play—a gleam of the future peeking through the grounded tones.
Once the designs were finalized, we presented them within our institute. It was both exciting and nerve-racking, surrounded by incredibly talented peers who had all poured their creativity into this theme. The response we received was overwhelming. Our collection stood out, and we were selected to represent our institute at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI.
The next stage was the Inter-Institute Jury Round. We were up against eight other leading institutes, each presenting phenomenal work. The level of creativity, craftsmanship, and concept development we witnessed was incredibly inspiring. But when the jury reviewed our collection, their comments were more than just encouraging—they were full of admiration.
They praised the balance between concept and wearability, the thoughtful juxtaposition of materials, the visual storytelling through silhouettes, and the futuristic yet grounded aesthetic. Hearing such positive feedback from such esteemed jury members validated every hour of hard work we had poured into the process.
Then came the announcement: we had won. Out of all the competing institutes, our collection had been chosen to move forward and be brought to life at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI. We were overjoyed—and suddenly, everything became very real.
What followed was a whirlwind of fabric sourcing, material hunting, stitching, fitting, and refining. This is where the support of our teachers and mentors became invaluable. Their guidance helped us navigate the practicalities of turning our ideas from sketches into stitched garments.
We spent days hunting down the perfect textiles—those that flowed just right, held the structure we needed, and glimmered with enough iridescence to catch the eye without overpowering the design. We experimented with panels, fastenings, layering techniques, and accessories. We pushed ourselves creatively and technically.
Hours turned into late nights, but every decision added a new layer of depth to the collection. Slowly, piece by piece, the vision started becoming tangible.
The Runway Moment: Watching Our Designs Come Alive
Nothing could have prepared us for the moment the models walked down the runway wearing our collection. Watching our designs move, shimmer, and flow under the runway lights was an experience that’s hard to put into words. There was a mix of disbelief, pride, joy, and gratitude. Seeing our story walk, breathe, and come alive on such a prestigious platform was a defining moment—not just of our careers, but of our lives.
The models became our urban nomads. They exuded the strength, elegance, and individuality we had envisioned from the beginning. The iridescent PVC elements caught the light like magic, while the earthy tones grounded the collection with an organic authenticity.
A Journey of Growth and Inspiration
Being part of Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI has been an incredibly inspiring journey—not just because of the platform but because of everything it demanded of us. It taught us to dream big, but also to work harder than ever to turn that dream into reality.
We discovered new strengths within ourselves, learned to trust our creative instincts, and most importantly, understood the power of collaboration—between mentors, peers, artisans, and everyone who played a role in bringing our vision to life.
A Final Note: To Future Designers
This journey has not only deepened our passion for design but has also given us a renewed sense of purpose. The ramp may have been the final destination for this collection, but the journey has only just begun.
To anyone reading this who dreams of seeing their work on a platform like Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI: keep dreaming, but don’t stop there. Dream, design, and do. Believe in your story and tell it through your craft. Because when you finally see your vision walk down the runway—it will all be worth it.
