Stitched in Motion: Our Journey to Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI
Some moments don’t just pass by—they change you. For us, showcasing our collection “Stitched in Motion” at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI wasn’t just a career milestone; it was a transformation. It was months of dreaming, sketching, stitching, falling apart, picking ourselves up, and pouring every ounce of our hearts into something we truly believed in. And when it finally came together on that runway—it was everything.
So, here’s the story of how a spark of an idea became a collection. And how that collection found its way to one of the biggest fashion stages in the country.
It all began with a simple but powerful idea: adaptability. We wanted to create a collection that captured the essence of the urban nomad—someone who navigates the chaos of modern life with grace, fluidity, and individuality. Life in the city is constantly in motion, and we wanted garments that moved with it.
Stitched in Motion is built on the principles of versatility and comfort, embracing the kind of effortless transition today’s world demands. Each piece in the collection was designed to adapt—to shift from day to night, from casual to formal, from one identity to another. We created clothing that wasn’t just worn, but lived in.
To root this modern narrative in timeless craft, we turned to Sashiko—a traditional Japanese embroidery technique that uses simple running stitches to create geometric, textured patterns. For us, it symbolized resilience. Our Sashiko motifs echoed urban landscapes—grids, waves, bricks, and shadow-play—honoring both movement and mindfulness.
In keeping with our commitment to inclusivity and personal freedom, the silhouettes were androgynous. We believe fashion should be shared, not separated by gender norms. Clothing should offer expression, not restriction.
With the vision set, the journey began.
Our road to Lakmé started with Design Carnival, a pre-show platform designed to discover and elevate emerging designers. The challenge was clear: present two original looks from a larger concept. This wasn’t just a test of design; it was a test of storytelling, technical strength, and the ability to communicate a compelling vision.
Our presentation wasn’t pre-recorded—it happened live, in front of a jury on a Zoom call. Nerves and excitement collided that day. We stood there, garments beside us, hearts racing, articulating every element of our designs—from the conceptual foundation to the Sashiko details, from fabric sourcing to the functional purpose behind each cut and fold.
It was raw, honest, and personal.
When we got the news that we’d won the Design Carnival round, we were overwhelmed. It meant we would be showcasing our full collection—six complete looks—at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI. That moment was electric. But it also marked the beginning of a much bigger challenge.
From the first sketch to the last stitch, Ms. Manpreet Hora was with us every step of the way. More than a mentor, she became the heartbeat of our journey. Whether it was bouncing off early design ideas, refining silhouettes, or troubleshooting technical glitches in the middle of the night, she was always there—relentlessly supportive, constructively critical, and emotionally invested.
Late-night messages, virtual fittings, stitch corrections, panic moments before presentations—Manpreet Ma’am saw it all and carried us through.
Her feedback was precise and intuitive. She pushed us to be better—not just in technique, but in clarity of thought. It was her belief in our concept and execution that gave us the courage to take creative risks, even when things got tough.
After the Design Carnival victory, we entered the next phase: mentorship sessions with industry experts. We were honored to learn from Mr. Neeraj Gaba and Mr. Daniel Franklin—both offering invaluable perspectives on the world of fashion, branding, and presentation. Most of our detailed work and regular sessions were with Daniel Franklin, and his guidance proved transformative.
Daniel helped us think beyond fabric and form. These sessions were intense, thought-provoking, and crucial. They gave us the tools to transition from “emerging designers” to confident presenters ready for the runway.
Designing a collection is never a linear journey. It’s a chaotic dance between vision and reality.
We faced several hurdles—some expected, some that took us by surprise. Finding the right fabrics that supported both form and functionality was a challenge. Incorporating Sashiko embroidery in a way that was both traditional and urban required experimentation. Some motifs didn’t translate the way we imagined. Some patterns had to be redrawn. And some garments—well, they fell apart before they came together.
There were weeks of working deep into the night—surrounded by threads, sketches, needles, and the quiet hum of pressure. Garments were constructed, deconstructed, and reconstructed until they finally felt right.
But through every obstacle, we were grounded by our purpose: to create pieces that moved with life, told a story, and honored both craft and innovation.
As the show date approached, everything intensified. We finalized our six looks, prepared mood boards, coordinated with stylists, and began fittings with the models.
Backstage at Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI was a whirlwind. Steamers hissed, fabrics flew, and someone was always yelling across the room. In the chaos, there was a strange sense of calm inside us. We had made it. This was the moment everything had been leading up to.
And then came the hush—the iconic moment before the music hits, the lights rise, and the first model walks out.
When our first look hit the runway, our breath caught in our throats. We watched from the wings as each piece of Stitched in Motion moved through the spotlight—fluid, grounded, confident. The Sashiko embroidery caught the light just right. The silhouettes spoke exactly what we had intended—versatility, identity, freedom. Our garments didn’t just walk the runway; they owned it.
It was the most emotional moment of our journey. We weren’t just showing clothes. We were showing our story. And to see that story received with such warmth, enthusiasm, and curiosity was something we’ll never forget.
After the final model left the runway and the applause faded, we stood still, hearts pounding, eyes blurry with emotion. We had done it.
Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI was more than a platform. It was a classroom, a trial by fire, and a homecoming for our ideas. The response was humbling—fashion insiders, stylists, press, and peers appreciated the craft, the functionality, and the emotional core of Stitched in Motion.
But beyond external feedback, the biggest reward was internal: the satisfaction of having created something authentic.
Looking back, here are the lessons we carry with us:
With gratitude and so much love,
— Kritika Kachhara & Shruti Kotecha
