Participating in Lakmé Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) has been one of the most transformative and inspiring experiences of my journey as an interior design student at NIF Global, West Delhi. As someone deeply passionate about design in all its forms, stepping into the dynamic and fast-paced world of fashion provided me with an entirely new perspective on creativity, discipline, and the synergy between space, form, and movement.
From the very beginning, the excitement of being selected to contribute to such a prestigious event was overwhelming. Lakmé Fashion Week is not just a celebration of fashion; it is a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and artistic collaboration. As an interior design student, I was eager to explore how the principles of my field—balance, texture, color, lighting, and spatial awareness—could translate into a runway environment.
One of the most valuable aspects of this journey was working under the guidance of our show director, Vahbiz Mehta Ma’am. Her leadership, vision, and immense experience shaped our understanding of the entire production process. From managing backstage chaos to perfecting minute details, her mentorship helped me view the event through a broader lens, encouraging me to think not just like a student, but as a professional designer.
Rehearsals were another incredible learning opportunity. Watching models rehearse their walks, the synchronization of lighting and music, and the timing of every movement was like watching a perfectly choreographed performance. It was here that I began to understand the importance of storytelling in design. Just like a well-designed space tells a story through its layout, materials, and atmosphere, a fashion show tells a story through fabric, form, and motion.
What truly stood out to me during this experience was the level of detail that goes into producing a successful fashion show. Every thread, every step, and every spotlight is deliberate. The lighting must highlight the garments without overpowering them; the stage must allow for freedom of movement while maintaining aesthetic appeal; and the backstage must function like a well-oiled machine to support the seamless execution of the show. These are concepts I’ve studied in the context of spatial planning and stage design, but seeing them come to life in such a high-stakes environment was eye-opening.
As an interior design student, this experience also deepened my appreciation for how fashion and space intersect. Whether it’s the layout of the runway, the backstage flow, or the placement of seating for maximum impact, spatial design plays a crucial role in enhancing the audience’s experience. I began to see garments not just as clothes, but as moving sculptures that need the right environment to be fully appreciated.
Being part of such a prestigious platform has truly enriched my perspective as a designer. It reinforced the importance of adaptability, the value of collaboration, and the endless opportunities that arise when different design disciplines intersect. It also fueled my desire to continue exploring design beyond traditional boundaries—blending fashion, interior design, and experiential environments in future projects.
I am deeply grateful to NIF Global, West Delhi, for providing this platform and believing in my potential. The opportunity to represent the institute and work alongside some of the best talents in the industry has been an honor. My time at Lakmé Fashion Week was not just an internship or an assignment—it was a milestone that has become a defining part of my journey as a designer.
In conclusion, this experience was more than just a glimpse into the world of fashion—it was a masterclass in design thinking, execution, and creative collaboration. I carry with me not only the memories of an extraordinary event but also a renewed sense of purpose and a deeper understanding of what it means to design with intention. I look forward to continuing this journey with the same passion and commitment that this opportunity has helped ignite within me.
