All The Highlights From The Hyundai India Couture Week 2025

Since its inception in 2008, India Couture Week has been a celebration of boundary-pushing creativity and the unmatched beauty of Indian craftsmanship. Every year, the country’s top couturiers gather under one roof — at the iconic Taj Palace in New Delhi — to unveil their latest creations. But what may look like a dazzling 30-minute spectacle on the runway is often the result of six months (or more) of meticulous work behind the scenes.

As we step into the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of FDCI, the energy feels fresh and full of milestones. Manish Malhotra is making a grand return after 5 and a half years, not with a traditional runway show but with a first-of-its-kind Couture Party — an immersive experience featuring archival looks, never-seen-before high jewellery, live performances, and even a curated menu by the designer himself. Tarun Tahiliani celebrates 30 years of timeless glamour with a special showing at The Oberoi, New Delhi — a property with personal history for the brand. Shantanu & Nikhil mark 25 years in fashion with a powerful collection, Aisha Rao finally makes her much-anticipated ICW debut, and JJ Valaya is all set to bring the curtain down in signature grandeur with his chevron-detailed finale.

EAST By JJ Valaya

Wrapping up the grand 18th edition of FDCI’s Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands, JJ Valaya brought his signature opulence to the runway with a stunning finale showcase of his new couture collection, EAST, at the JW Marriott, New Delhi Aerocity.

Renowned for his royal nomadic aesthetic, grandeur, art deco influences, and unapologetic celebration of Indian craft and embroidery. “I believe in multiculturalism, where I bring together varied influences to create a unique signature,” shared JJ Valaya during a special pre-couture preview. This season, his collection draws from the romanticised gaze with which the West once viewed the mystique of the East — reinterpreted through his maximalist lens.“For this collection, we’ve drawn inspiration from how the West once imagined and interpreted the mystique of the East — and how we see it today,” he added. Rooted in maximalism, Valaya’s philosophy remains clear: “We believe in the more-is-more philosophy, not the less-is-more. We are maximalists at heart.”

Divided into three chapters—exploring the layered romance of the Balkans, the serenity of the Far East, and the magnificence of India—the showcase told a story of travel, emotion, and heritage. Valaya's signature chevron motif is reimagined through intricate embroidery, while menswear takes a more playful turn with bolder styling choices. The colour story gracefully moves from soft pastels to rich reds, regal maroons, and deep blacks—tones that have long defined the JJ Valaya aesthetic.

Set against the romantic backdrop of the 17th and 18th centuries, EAST draws from a time when the West viewed the Orient as a land of intrigue, spiritual depth, and lavish beauty. Through Valaya’s distinct lens, this vision is transformed into a modern couture journey, unfolding across three evocative chapters: the poetic allure of the Balkans, the serene elegance of the Far East, and the opulent grandeur of India.

The collection is drenched in tones of antique neutrals, spice-laden hues, and dramatic bridal reds, brought to life in sumptuous fabrics like silk, velvet, brocade, tulle, and organza. Designed for both men and women, each garment reflects Valaya’s architectural precision and intricate detailing—a seamless fusion of traditional Indian craftsmanship and contemporary global flair.

Ask ChatGPT

The show opened with Indian cricketer Abhishek Sharma and ended with a showstopping appearance by Rasha Thadani in an ornate black lehenga with resham and antique gold embroidery. Ibrahim Ali Khan closed the show in a regal black velvet sherwani, while Mugdha Godse and Rahul Dev made special appearances, adding to the star power.

Oxynn By Rimzim Dadu

Following Aisha Rao's whimsical fashion came a futuristic take by Rimzim Dadu with her couture collection, Oxynn  a story woven from memory and metal. Rimzim Dadu’s show at Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 felt like a step into the future of Indian fashion: bold, unique, and truly unforgettable. Right after Aisha Rao’s colourful collection, Rimzim brought a completely different energy with metal, mirrors, and structured forms, all deeply connected to Indian craftsmanship.

Inspired by the vibrant Banjara tribes of Gujarat, known for their mirrored fabrics, bold silhouettes, and striking jewellery, Rimzim gave their legacy a sleek, modern twist. Oxynn reinterpreted traditional techniques like Patola weaving and mirror work through her signature material innovation. For Rimzim, fabric isn’t just cloth it’s a sculptural medium. She moulds textiles with the precision of an artist, turning garments into bold statements.

The silhouettes in Oxynn were bold and eye-catching — from sharp, tailored pieces to flowing gowns with a futuristic vibe. Rimzim used unique materials like steel wires, metallic threads, and custom-made fabrics that gave each outfit a strong, armour-like shine. The colours were deep and dramatic, including oxidised silver, antique gold, deep reds, midnight blues, and gunmetal — shades that looked like aged metal, full of character.

One of the best parts of the collection was how inclusive it felt. It wasn’t just for women or just for brides, it had something for everyone. Both men’s and women’s looks featured powerful shapes, soft drapes, and her signature metallic accessories that brought everything together. This wasn’t just about wedding wear, it was about showing how traditional craft can be reinvented for today’s world. Rimzim took a fresh approach to couture by treating fabric like art. She broke down and reimagined Indian crafts like Patola weaving and mirror work, creating clothes that felt like sculptures but were still easy to wear. Metallic threads and steel-based fabrics gave the pieces a modern structure and shine.

The colours in the collection, rich silvers, golds, reds, and dark jewel tones, told a story of metal that’s aged beautifully, just like heritage that grows stronger over time.

Khushi Kapoor ended the show in a standout look inspired by traditional Indian anklets (payals), made using Rimzim’s special pre-oxidised metal technique. The outfit blended modern edge with traditional charm, a perfect mix of past and present. Oxynn truly reflects Rimzim Dadu’s design vision: modern, Indian, and refined. It showed how couture can be more than just bridal fashion — with sharp cuts, gender-fluid shapes, and striking accessories that blend tradition and innovation. The collection felt bold, free-spirited, and deeply rooted in Indian craft.

Wild At Heart By Aisha Rao

Day 7 at Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, held in association with Reliance Brands and FDCI, opened with a dreamy and whimsical showcase by Aisha Rao. Known for her love of fantasy-driven appliqué and bold storytelling, Aisha’s debut couture collection, Wild at Heart, was all about celebrating the wild beauty of nature and the imagination that gives it life.

This collection felt like stepping into a magical forest. Inspired by banana leaves, lotus blooms, and palm trees, Aisha mixed soft, romantic touches with bold, structured shapes. There were dramatic blazers with floral appliqué, flowing drapes, metallic textures, and dreamy embroidery that made every outfit feel like a fairytale come to life. The colour palette was lush—rich greens, soft rose golds, and tropical tones that brought out the mood of untamed elegance. At its core, Wild at Heart was about wearing joy proudly. It encouraged people to live freely, embrace colour, and treat every outfit like a piece of art. Each garment was a perfect mix of structure and softness—where architectural cuts met garden-inspired patterns, and every detail, from beads to embroidery, had a purpose.

Sara Ali Khan, who walked the runway as the showstopper, looked radiant in a rose gold Banarasi tissue lehenga with geometric and floral appliqué, finished with bead and crystal embroidery. “It’s light, playful, and tells a story. I felt completely myself in it,” she shared. Aisha Rao, reflecting on her first couture week, said, “This collection is so close to my heart. Wild at Heart is a mix of everything I love—fantasy, freedom, and colour. I’m truly grateful for the chance to present it on such a grand stage.”

The show’s ambience was just as dreamy.

The Return Of Rohit Bal

Day 6 of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 ended with a truly emotional moment. For the first time ever, the late designer Rohit Bal’s couture legacy came alive on the runway, carried forward by his family, and it was nothing short of magical.

While it’s common in the West for big fashion houses to continue after the designer passes away, this rarely happens in India. That’s what made last night’s show so special: it was a celebration of Rohit Bal’s work, his memory, and everything he stood for.

Titled KASH-GUL, the collection was showcased at the iconic Taj Palace in New Delhi. The name itself is inspired by Kashmir (“Kash”) and flowers (“Gul”), two of Rohit Bal’s biggest inspirations. The entire evening felt like a tribute to his deep love for Kashmir, which he always brought into his designs. From rich velvets and detailed brocades to his iconic peacock and lotus motifs, the show had everything that reminded us of his signature style. The colours were regal — ivory, black, deep maroon — and the fabrics included classics like Chanderi, Matka silk, and velvet. There was a quiet luxury in the clothes — nothing loud, but full of grace, elegance, and emotion.

A truly memorable moment? Arjun Rampal walking the runway, a close friend of the designer, bringing back memories of their long friendship and collaborations. There was also a beautiful throwback model Lakshmi Rana recreated Rohit Bal’s signature twirl on the runway, and it gave the audience goosebumps.

Fraze Tasnim, the new Creative Director at Rohit Bal Couture, said it best: “KASH-GUL is a reflection of Rohit Bal’s soul. In every stitch, there’s memory. In every silhouette, a sense of home.”

This show was a tribute to a designer who brought poetry to Indian couture. It was a heartfelt reminder that though Rohit Bal is no longer with us, his vision, artistry, and spirit live on.

Reclaimed Opulence By Jayanti Reddy

The Hyderabad-based designer Jayanti Reddy made a remarkable comeback to the Hyundai India Couture Week runway with her latest collection titled Reclaimed Opulence. Known for her unwavering love for archival craftsmanship and modern-yet-timeless silhouettes, Jayanti brought forth a vision that felt both nostalgic and refreshingly new.

Every Jayanti Reddy showcase is a tribute to the past, seen through a future-forward lens, and this one was no different. Staying true to her roots, the collection beautifully celebrated antique textiles, rich in texture and detail. It featured intricate Dori embroidery, opulent floral motifs, majestic birds, traditional paisleys, elements of Baroque art, and Art Deco-inspired grids, all coming together in harmony to narrate a story of elegance reclaimed.

The silhouettes were romantic and whimsical, layered with delicate fringes, tassels, and clever tailoring details that made each ensemble feel personal and heirloom-worthy. From structured peplum tops to flowing khada dupattas, the garments blended old-world charm with a contemporary approach. Her Indo-western styling struck a balance between grandeur and wearability, perfect for the modern bride and groom looking to honour tradition in their own way. Colour played a leading role. The runway saw a pastel-dominated palette of soft blush, dusty rose, antique ivory, and muted peach, punctuated with unexpected jewel-toned pops of bottle green, red, and royal blue, adding drama without losing the romance. Menswear got an artistic update with sherwanis and bandhgalas in experimental hues like pastel green, navy, and ochre, all adorned with subtle embroidery that made a strong statement.

Reddy’s signature use of double drapes, finely tailored jackets, and structured corsetry was front and centre, adding to the sculptural quality of the collection. With Reclaimed Opulence, Jayanti Reddy didn’t just present couture; she offered timeless pieces designed to be worn with pride, cherished deeply, and passed down through generations, proving once again that her aesthetic is as much about emotion as it is about beauty.

Metropolis By Shantnu Nikhil

Stepping into Day 5 of the 18th edition of Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, presented in association with Reliance Brands and an initiative of FDCI, there was a palpable sense of anticipation in the air. After four days of high-octane couture, drama, and spectacle, the crowd was ready for something fresh, futuristic, and fearlessly bold—and Shantnu and Nikhil delivered just that.

“With Metropolis, we wanted to disrupt the vocabulary of Indian menswear. These ensembles are not about conformity, they’re about control. They’re for men who lead with presence, who believe power can be poetic,” say designers Shantnu and Nikhil Mehra.

The designer duo, known for redefining Indian menswear with their signature blend of sharp tailoring, fluid drapes, and structured silhouettes, marked a major milestone—25 years in the fashion industry. Metropolis, a bold and modern couture collection that pushes the boundaries of Indian menswear. Known for their sharp tailoring and strong silhouettes, the duo took their signature style into a new era, one that’s about confidence, individuality, and breaking traditional moulds. The collection drew inspiration from a mix of sources: old military uniforms, desert cultures, and India's regal past. But it wasn’t about looking back. Metropolis was all about reimagining the future, where fashion is fluid, personal, and powerful.

For men, the collection stood out with structured sherwanis, closed ruffle collars, tailored trousers, and layered pearl-detailed inners. There were hints of sequins, but never flashy — just enough to shimmer with a quiet strength. Some standout pieces included sharply cropped bandhgalas, sherwanis styled like overcoats, and jackets with cinched waists. Accessories like chain brooches, metal cuffs, stylised belts, and even dramatic drapes added to the rebellious feel. Women’s silhouettes took classic drapes and gave them a twist — tailored pinstripes, ruffled blouses, pleated skirts, and cinched waists brought together softness and structure. The ivory base, paired with soft golds and delicate pearls, gave the collection a timeless glow.

What made Metropolis unique was how it blurred lines between past and present, tradition and modernity, menswear and womenswear. The embroidery included two-toned threads that felt like symbols — subtle, yet full of meaning.

Colour-wise, the palette was bold and refined: deep charcoal, rich navy, crisp white, classic black, and soft ivory created a sense of drama without being overwhelming. Fabrics like silk blends, wool crepes, velvet, and technical weaves added depth and richness. Think modern royalty — European-inspired collars, dramatic capes, flouncy ruffle shirts — but all with a very Indian soul. With Metropolis, Shantnu and Nikhil reminded us that couture can be edgy, elegant, and unapologetically personal.

And while the collection itself set a high bar, the energy was amplified by the star-studded front row. Friends of the brand and Bollywood’s finest turned up in full support. Spotted on the FROW were Manushi Chhillar, Fatima Sana Shaikh, Randeep Hooda, Arjun Rampal, Rahul Khanna, Jim Sarbh, Rajkummar Rao, Zahaan Kapoor and more.

Threads of Time: Reimagined By Ritu Kumar

The OG of Indian couture, Ritu Kumar, made a long-awaited and powerful return to the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, presented in association with Reliance Brands, an FDCI initiative. Her showcase, “Threads of Time: Reimagined,” showcased her unmistakable signature: intricate embroidery that echoed the heritage of India’s vast textile history, but this time with a fresh, modern twist.

Think corseted blouses, sheer layers, tulle capes, stylish jackets, and flowing skirts that moved with ease and sensuality. The collection beautifully blended the old with the new, mixing nostalgia with contemporary flair. Now led by Amrish Kumar, the label explored younger, freer silhouettes, lightweight maxi dresses, balloon-style gowns, corset tops, bralettes, embellished velvet trousers, and separates that felt both elegant and easy.

Inspired by Ritu Kumar’s rich archives, the collection paid tribute to traditional Indian craft but through a lens that speaks to today’s woman. There were fluid bridal looks, sharply cut jackets paired with delicate sheer layers, vintage florals on flowing silks and velvets.

“This collection is both memory and movement,” said Ritu Kumar. “It’s my tribute to our craft, our culture, and the generations of women who have shaped this brand.”

With Amrish Kumar now steering the creative direction — and a new partnership with Reliance Retail — the show marked an exciting new chapter for the brand. “Ritu Kumar was one of my earliest inspirations, not just for her design but for how she turned craft into culture,” he shared. “This show is about continuing that spirit — with bolder shapes, global storytelling, and a confident voice.”

QUINTESSENCE By Tarun Tahiliani

Veteran designer Tarun Tahiliani celebrates three glorious decades in the world of fashion. Interestingly, he began his journey by designing uniforms for The Oberoi under the mentorship of Mr. Oberoi himself. So it feels fitting that his latest couture showcase, QUINTESSENCE, is being unveiled at The Oberoi, New Delhi, as the iconic hotel marks its 60th anniversary. A special moment for both the designer and the address that helped shape his early years

Quintessence by Tarun Tahiliani had us tapping our feet—couture truly spoke volumes.

The clothes themselves were sculpted yet soft, with drapes that felt like memory made real. Embroidery was thoughtful—pearls, crystals, resham thread—stitched with care. Nothing felt overdone. Every piece was created for the bride or groom who wants to feel present, light, and entirely themselves. Beautiful, not just to look at, but to move in, dance in, and live in. With a dreamy pastel palette, his signature drapes, classic bridal silhouettes. As for what’s fresh this season? “We’ve done a new series called the Bloom Series, where it feels like flowers are growing out of the dress using ribbons and raffia,” he reveals. The grand finale? A dramatic close set to the iconic tune ‘Made In India’. Hosted at The Oberoi, New Delhi, the show was nothing short of a spectacle. Standouts included intricate beads, pearls, and belts styled for all genders, along with corsets and innovative draping for men. Jackets were reimagined, while timeless saris continued to hold their place. The silhouettes stayed light, yet the embellishments made a strong impact.

A highlight of the show was Tahiliani’s collaboration with de Gournay, known for their hand-painted wallcoverings. For this special showcase, they created custom panels inspired by ‘Early Views of India,’ hand-painted on ivory silk. One of these panels was even turned into a one-of-a-kind couture jacket, blurring the lines between fashion and art. Set designer Sumant Jayakrishnan, a long-time collaborator, created a space that felt immersive and thoughtful.

Manish Malhotra's Couture Party

Manish Malhotra's showcase on Day 4 of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of FDCI, was nothing short of spectacular. Taking over both grand halls at the Taj Palace, New Delhi, the experience was split into two unique moments, one that honoured the past and one that embraced the present.

One hall was transformed into a stunning archival exhibit featuring some of Manish Malhotra’s most iconic creations and jewellery. From Kajol’s unforgettable parrot green lehenga to Kareena Kapoor’s Bole Chudiyan look as Poo and Priyanka Chopra’s shimmering Desi Girl saree, it was a walk down Bollywood memory lane. But the showcase went beyond film. Natasha Poonawalla’s purple Gara-work corset ensemble from the Met Gala 2025 was on display, alongside Manish’s own black velvet cape from Met Gala 2025 and Coco Jones’ custom couture outfit from the same event. The jewellery section sparkled with everything from his signature jhumkas to Coco Jones’ bold Tanzanite necklace and a rich, layered ruby haar paired with a classic choker.

Then came the reveal of the Inaya collection. Behind projected white screens, the curtains dropped, and the runway lit up with Malhotra’s signature drama—this time with an emphasis on delicate beadwork, intricate pearl embroidery, and opulent silhouettes. The glamour was dialled all the way up.

Taking centre stage as the showstopper was none other than Brazilian supermodel and global fashion icon Alessandra Ambrosio. Known for walking 17 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Shows—including two appearances in the iconic Fantasy Bra—she’s also graced the runways of Dior, Chanel, Prada, and Versace, and appeared on magazine covers around the world. Her presence marked a historic moment—Ambrosio became the first-ever international muse for India Couture Week, symbolising a powerful global crossover for Indian fashion.

Adding to the energy of the evening was a soulful live performance by Jonita Gandhi that had the crowd swaying. The setup sparkled with mirror work, while the scent of fresh rajnigandhas filled the air around an elegantly styled grazing table.

ARCANUM By Amit Aggarwal

Day 3 of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of FDCI,  started with a couture showcase by Amit Aggarwal. He brought his signature futuristic style back to the runway at India Couture Week 2025 with his new collection ARCANUM. But this time, instead of looking at the outside world, he looked within—into our DNA, the very code that makes us who we are.“This season, I didn’t begin with fabric. I began with the idea that within each of us lives every life that came before. That thought became the thread,” said the designer.

The collection was inspired by the idea that time and memory live inside us, passed down through generations. Amit imagined this invisible code—the DNA—as something beautiful and powerful, and turned it into stunning couture that felt both scientific and deeply emotional. The colours were bold and rich—think deep emerald green, metallic silver, glowing purples, electric blues, and even glossy black. The fabrics shimmered under the lights, giving the entire show a glowing, otherworldly vibe.

The silhouettes were strong and sculptural. There were dramatic gowns, structured sarees, voluminous skirts, and flowing capes—all with his signature futuristic twist. Many of the outfits hugged the body with moulded shapes, spiral-like details, and layers that moved like waves. Every look felt like it was telling a story about life, growth, and evolution.

Speaking about the collection, Amit said, “We wanted to go deeper—beyond just fashion—to explore what truly makes us human. ARCANUM is about the hidden beauty inside us.”

Raj Mahal Bijoux, By Falguni and Shane Peacock

Falguni and Shane Peacock presented their couture collection, Raj Mahal Bijoux, meaning The Place of Jewels, at the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of FDCI. Inspired by the rich heritage of Indian royalty, the collection takes us into a world of grand palaces, heirloom jewels, and timeless royal traditions. Raj Mahal Bijoux is like stepping into a royal painting, filled with design details drawn from places like the marble peacock sculpture at Baroda’s Laxmi Vilas Palace and the colourful frescoes of Jaipur’s City Palace. The garments are heavily inspired by architectural motifs and traditional ornamentation, reimagined in modern couture. Think sheer veils, dramatic capes, saree-style drapes, and statement silhouettes that blend elegance with the signature Falguni Shane Peacock sparkle.

The collection is all about bringing together India’s history and modern fashion. Using motifs from antique frescoes, carved stonework, silver artefacts, and old royal jewels, the designers have crafted looks that feel majestic yet contemporary. Rich jewel tones, intricate threadwork, and bold designs give every outfit a statement-making presence, perfect for the modern-day queen. It featured bridal veils with contemporary silhouettes, a pastel colour palette with pops of black. Lehengas for women, with a whole lot of beads, ruffled pants and classic sherwanis for men.

Bollywood actor Akshay Kumar took to the runway in a stunning ivory silk sherwani, beautifully hand-embroidered with delicate beadwork. The look balanced royal opulence with today’s clean, minimalist style.

Speaking about the collection, the designers said, “Raj Mahal Bijoux is our way of honouring India’s royal beauty. We’ve taken inspiration from palaces, jewels, and the stories they hold, and turned them into modern-day couture. It’s our way of connecting the past with the present, through every detail and silhouette.”

Whispers of Love to Myself By Roseroom By Isha Jajodia

Day 2 of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025 in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of FDCI, opened on a soft, dreamlike note with Roseroom by Isha Jajodia’s collection ‘Whispers of Love to Myself’. The set itself felt like a dreamscape—soft, ethereal, and inviting, setting the mood for what was to follow: a love letter from a woman to herself. Roseroom paid homage to the beauty of the feminine form, using sculpted lace, shimmering accents, and touches of 18K gold. Presented in four parts—Dear Innocence, To My Becoming, With Love, Always, and I Am—the show unfolded like a love letter a woman writes to herself.

Speaking about the collection, designer Isha Jajodia shared, “For the ROSEROOM woman, confident in her gentleness and timelessly elegant, this collection offers treasures to carry her through life’s most meaningful moments. These pieces are crafted not just to be worn, but to be remembered, lived in, and passed down, as whispers of love from one self to another.”

This collection was like a personal journey told through fashion. It was divided into four parts: Dear Innocence, To My Becoming, With Love, Always, and I Am. Each part showed a different phase in a woman's emotional growth — from softness and self-discovery to strength and confidence. A dreamy colour palette that moved from light, soft colours like blush pinks and gradually moved to stronger, more dramatic shades like white and gold. This shift in colour matched the journey of a woman becoming more powerful and sure of herself.

The clothes were a mix of dreamy and structured designs. You saw fitted lace corsets, flowy skirts with a bit of volume, sheer capes, and even tuxedos made of lace. Materials like Chantilly lace, tulle, organza, and feathers gave everything a light, airy feel. Some pieces had touches of 18K gold, adding a bit of sparkle and elegance. Instead of heavy embellishments, the focus was on the beauty of lace and craftsmanship. The embroidery was delicate, like lace flowers, gold accents, and fine detailing. Each of the 50 pieces in the collection was made by hand, taking hundreds of hours.

One standout piece was the final look worn by Tara Sutaria — a dreamy ivory outfit with a flowing organza skirt and lace embroidery, paired with a gold corset that took four months to make. The corset had pearl and enamel floral details and was inspired by French architecture.

Sehr By Suneet Varma

There’s something about a Suneet Varma show that always feels like you’re stepping into a dream — the kind you don’t want to leave. With SEHR, his newest couture collection for  Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands and an initiative of FDCI, Varma once again proves why he’s the ultimate romantic in Indian fashion.

Rooted in the Urdu word Sehr, which means enchantment or the magic of early morning twilight, this new couture offering is a quiet, spellbinding ode to beauty — the kind that lingers long after the lights go out. The collection is a poetic expression of beauty that lingers much like moonlight on skin.

“In stillness, she sings — in couture, she dreams,” Suneet Varma says, and that one line tells you everything you need to know about what’s coming.

Inspired by the secrets of an enchanted forest, Sehr weaves together romance, drama, and a delicate fantasy. SEHR brings together drama and delicacy with a soft, seductive hand. The collection doesn’t shout for attention. Instead, it draws you in — slowly, softly — through flowing chiffons, soft silks, and embellishments that glimmer like dew.  The colour palette moves from rose tints, ice lilacs, greys, and obsidian black.

For women, the runway dazzled with embellished corsets, tasselled blouses, dramatic sleeves, floor-length embroidered jackets, ornate headgear, and cape-style blouses paired with sarees, flowing skirts, and languid shararas. In contrast, menswear leaned into timeless elegance with classic bandhgalas and intricately embellished sherwanis. The embellishments — crafted in crystals, pearls, garnets, and delicate threadwork — reflected a signature finesse that only Suneet Varma can master.

Riddhima Kapoor Sahni closed the show in a stunning ivory corset lehenga, delicately adorned with floral embroidery.

Becoming Love By Rahul Mishra

Day 1 of the Hyundai India Couture Week 2025, in association with Reliance Brands, an initiative of FDCI, began on a magical note with Rahul Mishra’s collection Becoming Love. Known for taking Indian couture to international stages, the designer presented a show that felt like stepping into a dream. The set mimicked the beauty of the moon, while large screens around the runway showed visuals of the galaxy.

This collection was all about love going through seven stages — attraction, infatuation, surrender, reverence, devotion, obsession, and finally, death. Mishra turned this emotional story into fashion. His designs took ideas from nature, art, and Indian traditions. There were references to Mughal miniature paintings, touches of Claude Monet’s soft light, and the gold-detailed style of Gustav Klimt.

The romanticism was beautifully depicted on couture with flowing veils, sculptural headpieces, and 3D embroidery that looked like tiny works of art. The floral and nature-inspired designs were brought to life with fine details and handwork. The show opened with hues of white and ivory, moved into pastel tones with orange and gold, and concluded with dramatic, deeper shades of navy and black. Intricate beadwork, 3-dimensional embroidery, and motifs inspired by nature were used to narrate the story of how love is a complex and multifaceted human experience. The complimentary mesh headgears, bridal trails, and floral installations added to the allure. With beadwork remaining the star of the show, the spotted was a dramatic play of sequins. Saris got a shimmering update with complete sequins work. Approximately 2000 artisans across craft clusters are to be given credit for revisiting techniques like aari, zardozi, naqshi, dabka, and fareesha. They used materials like resham thread, pearls, kundan, sequins, and more on fabrics like silk organza, tulle, velvet, and satin.

For both women and men, there were interesting silhouettes — including long bridal trails, delicate peplum touches, and textured fabrics. Even men’s blazers had hints of the peplum style. Loose pants and layered looks brought everything together in a soft, romantic way.

Being a part of the model line-up up celebrity Tamannaah Bhatia donned two creations by the designer, one a pristine ivory lehenga with Rahul Mishra's defining work, which she called a Cosmos featuring everything the world has. With sequins work and a low-cut blouse, the lehenga was elegant. The second was a one-shoulder dress with 3-dimensional floral embroidery.

The story of love continued through a special collaboration with Rivaah by Tanishq. Their bridal jewellery celebrated seven rare Indian techniques — like Meenakari, Filigree, and Ras Rawa — showing how craft, like love, is built slowly and with meaning. From his recent renders in Paris to now coming back home, Rahul continues to blur borders.