NIF Global presents GenNext Designer Program is one of the most coveted designer talent discovery programs globally that has been the launch pad of some of the most sought-after names today in the Indian fashion industry. In the past 34 seasons, over 180 designers have made their debut under the ‘GenNext’ designer program. Alumni of this program includes illustrious names such as Aneeth Arora of Pero, Kallol Datta, Masaba Gupta, and Rahul Mishra, among many others. Some of the emerging young designers who have enjoyed success immediately after their GenNext launch include names such as Rimzim Dadu, Kanika Goyal, Akshat Bansal of Bloni, Anvita Sharma of Two Point Two, Saaksha & Kinni, Amit Vijaya & Richard Pandav of Amrich, Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva, Ujjawal Dubey of Antar-Agni, Ragini Ahuja of Ikai, Kunal Rawal and many more.
NIF Global’s GenNext Designer Program is an exclusive opportunity to access a strong national and international audience of buyers, media and VIPs of the fashion industry attending Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. This program gives a chosen designer the privilege to be mentored and groomed by leading authorities in the Indian fashion industry for their launch show at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI. NIF Global’s GenNext Designer Program has established itself as one of India’s most definitive fashion platforms, enabling India to integrate with the global fashion industry.
Aspiring designers undergo a rigorous selection process, where their credentials and samples from upcoming collections are meticulously evaluated. The final selection of GenNext designers is determined by a distinguished jury, composed of influential voices from across the fashion ecosystem—including renowned journalists, respected educationists, seasoned buyers, and senior designers. Additionally, key representatives from the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), Lakmé, and Reliance Brands Limited lend their expertise to ensure a comprehensive and fair evaluation. Guiding this year’s selection was an illustrious jury of industry stalwarts, each bringing unique insights and a wealth of experience, resulting in a richly diverse and thoughtful decision-making process that reflects the dynamic nature of contemporary fashion.
Sunanda Khaitan,
Vice President- Lakmé
Tina Tahiliani Parikh,
Executive Director of Ensemble
Rochelle Pinto,
Head of Editorial Content at Vogue India
Jaspreet Chandok,
Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd.
Abhishek Shinde,
Fashion Designer
Collection – Ciao
Gennext Designer – Abhishek Shinde
Label – Abhichiq
Designer Abhishek Shinde (label ‘Abhichiq’) presents his collection, “Ciao — SS 2025” Abhishek Shinde transported the audience to sun-drenched Sicily with Collection – Ciao, is a collection that radiated Mediterranean charm. Inspired by the island’s vibrant culture, rustic landscapes, and artisanal heritage, the collection celebrated the art of getting dressed with handwoven textiles, hand block prints, and intricate hand embroidery. Bold carnival stripes and retro tailoring infused the line with a sense of adventure, reimagining classic menswear as a joyful expression of timeless style.
Somya Lochan,
Fashion Designer
Collection – Dichotomy of Loss
Gennext Designer – Somya Lochan
Label – Quarter
Designer Somya Lochan (label ‘Quarter’) showcases “Dichotomy of Loss” a collection born from a profound exploration of grief. In a deeply introspective and evocative experiment, five individuals shared their personal experiences of loss, each given the freedom to deconstruct garments as they confronted their emotions. The resulting pieces captured the raw complexity of grief through handwoven silk brocade from Benaras, the revival of a 30-year-old loom, Himroo brocade from Aurangabad, hand-embroidered details, and Dhokra buttons crafted using a 4000-year-old wax-casting method from West Bengal.
