Bollywood actor Radhika Madan took to the runway on day two of Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW), appearing for designers Mannat Jain and Sneha Ali Shetty of NIF Global. Each season, the "Runway" showcase acts as a vital springboard for emerging talent from across India, and this latest edition was no exception, featuring five distinct collections that blended traditional heritage with modern aesthetics.
Madan, who is currently enjoying the success of her latest film, Subedaar, wore a vibrant Madras check crop shirt paired with teal pleated trousers. The collection, titled "Folded Grids" from NIF Global’s Mumbai Andheri centre, drew its inspiration from a unique marriage of Indian Madras checks and Japanese origami. The designers utilised techniques such as bamboo pleats, layered panels, and origami folds to create a range of wearable pieces including cropped shirts, layered vests, and wide-leg trousers.
Speaking after the show, Madan admitted she was stunned by the professional quality of the work. "When I saw the collection, I couldn’t believe that students had made this," she said. "They are all so talented and it was a privilege to walk for them. I can’t wait to see what they do next—I’ll certainly be wearing their future collections."
The segment also featured several other rising stars. Mehwish Kokni and Abuzar Khan from Nashik presented "The Geometry of Grace," which focused on tailored silhouettes like blazers and jumpsuits. At the same time, Khushi Ketan Parekh and Sanika Rane of Ghatkopar exhibited their "Inscria" collection, which was a denim-dominated ensemble influenced by the Kashmir Valley's art and the desert's neutral hues.
Regional influences were again seen in Akash Singh's "Ishq-e-Taj," which was a structured coat and dress ensemble based on the intricate Pietra Dura craftsmanship of the Taj Mahal. Perhaps the most eclectic fusion came from Jaipur-based Anshu Suman and Mamta Sheoran; their collection, "The Han – Saw Dust," cleverly combined the traditional Korean Hanbok with Rajasthani Dabu hand-block printing, resulting in Jeogori-style jackets and Chima-inspired skirts crafted from Khadi and cotton.
Running until 22 March at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai, the 2026 Lakmé Fashion Week continues its partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), cementing its place as the premier event for both established names and the next generation of Indian designers.
Also read: Imtiaz Ali eyes local talent at Sikkim International Film Fest
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