NIFD Global Presents GenNext’s new designer batch announced ahead of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI

The 38th edition of the NIFD Global Presents GenNext contest has announced its four designers selected to showcase their designs at Lakmē Fashion Week x Fashion Design Council of India. Padma Saldon of 2112 Saldon, Saurabh Maurya of Margn, Ananya Arora of Ananya – The Label, and Sakshi Vijay Punyani of VJ will present their winning designs on the runway in New Delhi this October.

“At Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, we embody the ever-evolving spirit of fashion and beauty, constantly pushing boundaries,” said Hindustan Unilever’s executive director and Unilever South Asia’s beauty and well-being general manager Harman Dhillon in a press release. “Our GenNext program is a catalyst for innovation, discovering and cultivating creative geniuses that will shape the future of fashion and beauty. We seek out and nurture young talent, poised to revolutionise the Indian design landscape. We believe that our country is teeming with talent, and with the right mentorship, these talents will greatly impact the industry with ingenious and sustainable ideas. This initiative perfectly aligns with House of Lakmē’s approach of pushing the boundaries of innovation and creativity.”
 
Each designer was chosen for their original and creative approach to fashion design. A jury of industry names narrowed down the entries to these four, who mix tradition with unique aesthetics, and a sustainable approach.
 
“We have always been committed to nurturing the brightest minds in Indian Fashion at Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI and are looking forward to witnessing the 38th batch of GenNext designers, showcase their creativity on the runway this season,” said Reliance Brands Limited’s group vice president Jaspreet Chandok. “The NIFD Global Presents GenNext program, has been instrumental to this platform’s journey over the past several years. From giving some of the nation’s most creative minds a steppingstone into the fashion industry to mentoring and empowering newer talent across the country, the platform has significantly impacted the Indian and Global fashion industry.”
 
The upcoming edition of Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI will run from October 9 to 13 in the capital. The showcase is designed to elevate not just the work of the winning designers, but the Indian fashion industry as a whole.
“The GenNext program has been a crucial part of FDCI’s journey, and we look forward to seeing the new batch of GenNext designers take over the runway this season,” said FDCI chairman Sunil Sethi. “The fashion scenes in India and throughout the world have been profoundly influenced by this project. The program acts as a transformative platform, providing some of the most talented youth in the country with an essential launchpad.”