Anamika Khanna among desi designers getting global acclaim after LFW debut

Indian designer Anamika Khanna made the nation proud at the recent London Fashion Week. It was more than just another designer showcasing their work, it was a moment that added yet another chapter to India’s growing presence on international fashion runways. While the OG Manish Arora started this trend in 2007, the question is do Indian designers really need a world stage to portray their talent, given India’s rich textile heritage?

Anamika Khanna debuts at London Fashion Week

Anamika Khanna just debuted her collection at the London Fashion Week, and many, including Sonam Kapoor was in attendance. AK|OK’s debut collection had models sashaying past shelves of toy cars, plushies and more. It delves into nostalgia, honours the designer’s endeavour to look at India through a modern lens.

“I have always felt that there was a need to push the boundaries when it comes to presenting India anywhere in the world. And when I started thinking about this collection, specifically what we were going to show at London Fashion Week, I thought of this cool Indian London girl,” Anamika says. “This girl has roots in India because she has Indian grandparents, and when she visits them, she discovers a few pieces. I thought about what she would do with these pieces when she got back, and this is where the collection story started,” the designer told The Hindu about her collection.

Her collection included flowy capes, slouchy trousers, long coats, and oversized shirts featuring elements of reimagined traditional craft. Chikankari embroidery was also spotted on many coats and dresses.

Manish Arora was the OG designer

Long before Rahul Mishra and Gaurav Gupta debuted their collection at International stage, Manish Arora did it in 2007.

Arora took Paris Fashion Week by storm with his maximalist designs, bold colours, and avant-garde spirit. His Spring/Summer 2008 (SS'08) collection was highly successful and characterised by its vibrant, colourful aesthetic, rich Indian craftsmanship, and innovative use of printing and weaving.

The debut was a great success, establishing his unique Technicolour vision on the global stage and inspiring a legacy of Indian designers at the International Fashion Week.

Indian designers Rahul Mishra has become a Paris fashion Week regular. Even Indian designer Gaurav Gupta recently made his debut.

India’s Rich Textile Heritage

The irony, however, is unmistakable. India has one of the richest textile traditions in the world. From handwoven Banarasi silks and intricate Chikankari to Kalamkari, Ikat, and Kanjivaram, Indian artisans have perfected their craft over centuries. So, do we really need recognition from the West?

With a population of over a billion and a rising luxury consumer base, do Indian designers really need Western validation when their artistry is already celebrated at home?