Embroidery Meets Epiphany: Anamika Khanna’s AKIOK Weaves India into London’s Style Story

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London Fashion Week 2025 witnessed a poetic collision of heritage and haute couture as Anamika Khanna’s AKIOK label took center stage with a collection that celebrated nostalgia, Indian craftsmanship, and the emotional power of clothing. Known for her avant-garde sensibilities and fearless experimentation, Khanna’s showcase was a masterclass in storytelling through textiles, where every silhouette whispered tales of memory, identity, and cultural pride.

Key highlights from the AKIOK showcase

1. AKIOK by Anamika Khanna debuted a collection titled Not Your Body at London Fashion Week
2. The show explored themes of nostalgia, emotional memory, and the intimate relationship between clothing and identity
3. Indian craft techniques such as zardozi, kantha, and hand embroidery were prominently featured
4. The collection fused traditional Indian textiles with contemporary silhouettes and global styling
5. AKIOK’s presentation was part of the official London Fashion Week calendar, marking a significant moment for Indian fashion on the global stage

Concept and inspiration: clothing as emotional architecture

The collection Not Your Body was conceived as a reflection on how garments hold emotional weight. Anamika Khanna described the pieces as extensions of memory—clothes that carry the imprint of moments, relationships, and personal evolution.

- The designs were rooted in the idea that clothing is not just worn but felt
- Nostalgia was a central theme, expressed through vintage-inspired cuts and aged textures
- The collection challenged conventional notions of fashion by prioritizing emotional resonance over trend cycles

Craftsmanship and textile innovation

True to Khanna’s legacy, the AKIOK collection was a celebration of Indian craft, elevated to global relevance. Each piece was meticulously constructed using heritage techniques, reinterpreted for a modern audience.

- Zardozi embroidery added regal depth to jackets and capes
- Kantha stitching created tactile surfaces on layered separates
- Hand-painted motifs and patchwork referenced folk art traditions
- Fabrics included handwoven silks, cottons, and recycled textiles sourced from artisan clusters

Silhouettes and styling: a fusion of eras

The runway featured a diverse range of silhouettes that blended Indian and Western aesthetics. AKIOK’s styling was bold yet introspective, inviting viewers to engage with the garments beyond their visual appeal.

- Oversized coats paired with lehenga-style skirts created a dramatic contrast
- Structured corsets were layered over flowing saris and dhoti pants
- Accessories included oxidized silver jewelry, embroidered boots, and handcrafted belts
- The color palette ranged from muted earth tones to jewel-like accents, evoking both restraint and richness

Global impact and cultural representation

AKIOK’s presence at London Fashion Week was more than a fashion moment—it was a cultural statement. By placing Indian craft and emotion at the heart of a global showcase, Anamika Khanna reaffirmed the relevance of indigenous design in contemporary fashion discourse.

- The show received acclaim from international fashion critics and editors
- It highlighted India’s evolving role in the global fashion ecosystem
- AKIOK’s philosophy of slow fashion and emotional design resonated with sustainability advocates and cultural curators

Conclusion: a runway of remembrance

Anamika Khanna’s AKIOK collection at London Fashion Week was a poignant reminder that fashion can be deeply personal, culturally rooted, and emotionally transformative. By weaving nostalgia and Indian craft into every thread, Khanna offered a vision of clothing that transcends seasons and speaks to the soul. AKIOK’s showcase was not just a celebration of style—it was a celebration of memory, meaning, and the enduring beauty of Indian artistry.

Sources: Vogue India, Elle India, Hindustan Times, London Fashion Week Official Calendar, The Voice of Fashion