Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI kicked off on March 19, 2026, at the Jio World Convention Centre, Mumbai, setting the tone for a season that feels sharper, bolder, and far more expressive—especially for menswear. Day 1 wasn’t just an opening; it was a statement. Think fluid silhouettes, experimental layering, and a confident shift away from predictable mens fashion.
With a power-packed lineup including The Boy’s Club, CHOLA, L’Atelier 1664 x Abraham & Thakore, Kartik Research, and AK|OK by Anamika Khanna, the runway celebrated the modern Indian man in all his layered, evolving glory. And with designers like Amit Aggarwal, Rahul Mishra, Payal Pratap, Bhumika Sharma, and more set to showcase till March 22, this is just the beginning.
AK|OK by Anamika Khanna: A Bold Ode to Imperfection
Opening the night at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, Anamika Khanna’s AK|OK delivered a visually immersive showcase at The Art House, NMACC. The collection was rooted in the idea of “misplaced beauty”—celebrating imperfection through asymmetry, unfinished edges, and subtle distortions.
The runway moved from fluid neutrals to deeper tones like browns, reds, and blacks, featuring draped dhoti pants, asymmetric tops, co-ords, and flowing gowns designed with ease and movement in mind. Hand-painted textures, 3D embroidery, zari work, and tassel details added depth and drama.
A key highlight was the debut of menswear, seamlessly blending into the AK|OK aesthetic with fluid silhouettes and relaxed tailoring, marking a strong new direction for the label.
The Boy’s Club: Where Menswear Found Its Edge
Opening the week, FDCI’s The Boy’s Club set the pace with a multi-designer showcase that felt raw, textured, and unapologetically experimental.
The grand show was opened by actor Siddharth, who set the tone in a rich, earthy ensemble featuring a silk coat with draped dhoti pants.
- Countrymade by Sushant Abrol leaned into nostalgia and decay with “Cenotaph”—a collection inspired by memorial architecture. Think mud-resist prints, oxidised tones, and raw-edged appliqués that felt almost sculptural.
- Dhruv Vaish’s “The Blueprint” turned cities into clothing. Seam lines mimicked road maps, while geometric paneling and structured silhouettes translated urban chaos into wearable design.
- Sahil Aneja’s “Strata” explored molten textures and shifting terrains, playing with light and shadow in a way that felt fluid yet grounded.
- Vivek Karunakaran’s “The Thangam” brought in a quieter luxury—gold tones, raw silks, and ceremonial silhouettes, opening with actor Siddharth in a look that balanced tradition and modernity effortlessly.
Together, they didn’t just present menswear—they redefined it.
L’Atelier 1664 x Abraham & Thakore: Where French Flair Meets Indian Ease
The collaboration between L’Atelier 1664 and Abraham & Thakore, titled “Sari’torial,” brought together two distinct design philosophies rooted in tradition yet shaped for the modern wardrobe. The collection beautifully merged contemporary French sensibility with Indian craft, creating a dialogue between East and West, structure and fluidity.
Staying true to A&T’s signature approach—“for all the days you’re not getting married”—the showcase focused on elevated everyday wear. Think easy tailoring, draped elements, and a mix of stitched and unstitched silhouettes that blurred the lines between menswear and womenswear. Crafted in handwoven fabrics, silk, and handspun cotton, the pieces felt effortless yet refined, offering a fresh take on occasion dressing that doesn’t try too hard but still stands out.
CHOLA: Finding Meaning in Monochrome
CHOLA’s “Echoes in Monochrome” was less about fashion and more about perspective. Built on the idea that life exists in the in-between, the collection used black, white, and greys to explore contrast and complexity.
The silhouettes were bold yet thoughtful, and the runway itself felt like a performance—models moved with spontaneity, bringing in emotion, drama, and a sense of improvisation. It was a reminder that fashion doesn’t always need colour to make noise.
Kartik Research: Craft, But Make It Contemporary
Marking its Mumbai runway debut, Kartik Research delivered one of the most thoughtful showcases of the day.
At its core, the collection was about looking back to move forward. The brand revisited its own journey—bringing back khadi from Bhujodi, Rabari embroidery from Kutch, and hand-knitted textiles from Almora—and reworking them into modern silhouettes.
The vibe? Imperfect, lived-in, and deeply personal. Relaxed shirts, reimagined workwear, and tactile fabrics made every piece feel like it carried a story. In a world chasing perfection, Kartik Research chose authenticity—and it worked.
Day 1 Verdict: Menswear Isn’t Playing Safe Anymore
If Day 1 proved anything, it’s this—menswear in India is having its moment, and it’s anything but boring. From handcrafted narratives to urban storytelling and fluid fashion, designers are pushing boundaries like never before.
And with three more days of shows ahead, one thing’s clear: Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI 2026 is just getting started—and we’re watching closely.
The post Menswear Stole the Spotlight at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI—Here’s Why Day 1 Hit Different appeared first on Aza Editorials.