Lakmē Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), has officially announced the 41st edition of NIF Global Presents GenNext, continuing its celebrated legacy as India’s most influential platform for emerging fashion talent. Over the years, GenNext has become synonymous with innovation, originality, and bold creative voices that shape the future of Indian fashion.
The program spotlights designers who bring experimentation, authenticity, and a strong point of view to contemporary fashion. With each season, GenNext reaffirms its role as a launchpad where raw talent meets industry opportunity.
A New Wave of Designers Takes the Spotlight
The 41st edition introduces an exciting new cohort of designers — Jubinav Chadha, Taarini Anand, and Saim Ghani. Selected for their distinct design sensibilities and future-facing approach, these designers will debut their collections on the Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI runway, placing them at the intersection of creativity, national visibility, and industry access.
For these young creatives, GenNext is more than just a showcase — it is a defining moment that marks their entry into India’s fashion mainstream.
A Legacy That Has Shaped Indian Fashion
With 40 successful editions already completed, NIF Global Presents GenNext has played a pivotal role in shaping the Indian fashion ecosystem. Backed by the collective vision of Lakmē, FDCI, Reliance, and NIF Global, the initiative has propelled over 250 designers into the spotlight.
Esteemed alumni such as Rahul Mishra, Aneeth Arora, Akshat Bansal, Bodice by Ruchika Sachdeva, and Masaba Gupta stand as powerful examples of GenNext’s lasting impact, having gone on to build influential labels and global careers.
A Jury of Industry Leaders
The GenNext platform continues to attract strong interest from emerging designers across India. For this edition, shortlisted participants presented their collections before an esteemed jury comprising Manish Malhotra, Rochelle Pinto, Edward Lalrempuia, Raisa Chakravarty, Jaspreet Chandok, and Sabina Chopra.
Their collective expertise ensured that the selected designers reflect not only creativity but also relevance and readiness for the evolving fashion industry.
Industry Voices on the Power of GenNext
Speaking on the continued evolution of the platform, Sunanda Khaitan, CMO, Beauty & Wellbeing, Hindustan Unilever, shared:
“GenNext has long been integral to the Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI platform, spotlighting designers who are shaping the future of Indian fashion with originality and purpose. Every edition introduces us to new creative voices whose work reflects innovation and a forward-looking design sensibility.”
Highlighting NIF Global’s commitment, Shaunik Khosla, Business Head, NIF Global, added:
“‘NIF Global presents GenNext’ is not just a showcase, it is our commitment to shaping the future of fashion and interior design. At Lakmé Fashion Week x FDCI, GenNext is where talent meets opportunity.”
Echoing this sentiment, Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands, stated:
“The NIF Global presents GenNext program supports designers at a pivotal stage in their journey, helping them bring their ideas and vision to life, while celebrating individuality and creativity.”
Shaping the Future of Indian Fashion
As Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI moves forward with its 41st GenNext edition, the platform once again reinforces its role as a catalyst for change, creativity, and new perspectives. By nurturing emerging designers and providing them with a national stage, GenNext continues to shape a dynamic, inclusive, and future-ready Indian fashion landscape.
The runway is set, the talent is ready, and the future of Indian fashion looks more promising than ever.
“With every GenNext edition, Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI doesn’t just discover designers — it shapes the future of Indian fashion.”
