A History Of Lakme Fashion Week In Mumbai In 1 Minute

A historical account of the evolution of India’s fashion industry wouldn’t be complete without mention of the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW). Though it has existed for only a little less than two decades, LFW is the country’s elite fashion event, and arguably the primary platform for emerging designers today. But the landmark fashion event wasn’t really born in its current avatar. Though now inseparable from Mumbai, the event actually took shape in Delhi.
LFW’s predecessor, the Lakme India Fashion Week (LIFW) was conceptualized in 1999 primarily by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) in collaboration with IMG, their partner and international event management company. Lakme agreed to be the title sponsor, and following the suggestion of designer Wendell Rodricks, also decided to have its own finale show.

The first ever LIFW was held in New Delhi from August 17th until the August 23rd, 2000. 33 designers from across the country came together at the Taj Palace Convention Centre to showcase their creations to over 15,000 visitors over 7 days. The event was widely covered in the domestic and international press. Designers included Ranna Gill, Monisha Jaising, Ritu Kumar, Ashish Soni, Rohit Bal, Rajesh Pratap Singh, Tarun Tahiliani, among others.

The event came to Mumbai after Lakme’s five-year contract with the FDCI ended following the LIFW 2005. A split emerged after both parties were unable to negotiate a fresh contract. Mumbai became host to the Lakme Fashion Week (LFW), while Delhi retained India Fashion Week with Wills Lifestyle as the new primary sponsor. The events debuted in their current form in 2006 in a tense environment in which designers had to choose between the two back to back fashion weeks.

Lakme Fashion Week 2006, held in collaboration with IMG, was at the National Center For Performing Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point. With Wendell Rodricks, Ritu Beri and Narendra Kumar on the advisory board, the event featured shows by 115 designers – as opposed to 61 the year before – including Manish Malhotra, Ashish Soni and Sabyasachi Mukherjee.

Initiatives, such as the ‘Gen Next’ and ‘Emerging Designer’ show categories which have made LFW the premier launch-pad for upcoming designers in the country today, were first launched at the 2006 show in Mumbai. Fresh talent featured at the event included the likes of Rahul Mishra and Swapnil Shinde, who are both celebrated international names in fashion today.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.