Runway to Driveway: Lakme x NEXA Celebrate 10 Years of Style in Motion

Lakme Fashion Week, in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), recently celebrated a decade of collaboration with NEXA, the premium automotive brand by Maruti Suzuki. Held in New Delhi, the event was a tribute to ten years of innovation, creativity, and cultural synergy between fashion and mobility. From emerging designer showcases to cinematic couture inspired by cars, the evening was a masterclass in how design transcends industries.

Key highlights from the celebration

1. The event marked 10 years of NEXA’s partnership with Lakme Fashion Week and FDCI  
2. Spotlight Alumni Showcase featured designers from 10 seasons of NEXA Presents Spotlight  
3. Designer duo Shantnu & Nikhil unveiled Velora, their first all-womenswear collection in India  
4. Velora was inspired by the Phantom Blaq edition of Grand Vitara, blending automotive elegance with couture  
5. Industry leaders from Maruti Suzuki, Reliance Brands, and FDCI shared insights on the cultural impact of the collaboration  

Spotlight Alumni Showcase: a decade of emerging talent

One of the most anticipated segments of the evening was the Spotlight Alumni Showcase, celebrating ten seasons of NEXA Presents Spotlight. This initiative has become a launchpad for India’s most promising fashion designers, offering mentorship, visibility, and a prestigious runway platform.

- Designers featured included Pella, Naushad Ali, SWGT, Bloni, Siddhartha Bansal, Countrymade, Paiwand, TIL by Ankur Verma, and Somya Goyal  
- Each designer presented pieces that reflected their growth and creative evolution since their debut  
- The showcase highlighted the diversity of Indian fashion, from sustainable textiles to avant-garde silhouettes  

Velora by Shantnu & Nikhil: fashion meets Phantom Blaq

Continuing the theme of innovation, designers Shantnu & Nikhil presented a preview of Velora, their first-ever all-womenswear collection in India. The collection drew inspiration from the Limited Edition Phantom Blaq by Grand Vitara, translating its sleek Phantom Black and rose-gold accents into a sartorial language.

- Velora reimagined the glamour of the 1930s red-carpet siren through structured drapery and bold silhouettes  
- The designs embodied defiance, elegance, and cinematic allure  
- The synergy between automotive design and fashion was evident in the use of metallic tones, sculptural tailoring, and fluid fabrics  

Leadership perspectives: design beyond mobility

The evening also featured reflections from key industry leaders who have shaped the NEXA x Fashion journey over the past decade.

- Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer, Marketing and Sales at Maruti Suzuki, emphasized NEXA’s evolution into a cultural brand that goes beyond cars  
- Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President at Reliance Brands, highlighted the role of NEXA in nurturing new talent and pushing creative boundaries  
- Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, celebrated the power of collaboration in driving innovation and spotlighting Indian fashion globally  

A fusion of fashion, innovation, and experience

The 10-year celebration was not just a retrospective—it was a forward-looking statement about the future of fashion and design. By aligning with NEXA, Lakme Fashion Week and FDCI have created a platform that merges luxury, technology, and artistry.

- The event featured immersive installations, curated lounges, and interactive brand zones  
- Guests experienced the Phantom Blaq edition of Grand Vitara up close, reinforcing the theme of design excellence  
- The collaboration continues to inspire conversations at the intersection of fashion, mobility, and culture  

Conclusion: a decade of driving style

Lakme Fashion Week x FDCI’s celebration of 10 years with NEXA was a testament to the transformative power of design. From nurturing young talent to redefining luxury through cross-industry partnerships, the event showcased how fashion can be a vehicle for innovation, expression, and cultural impact. As the partnership enters its next chapter, it promises to keep pushing boundaries and spotlighting the future of Indian fashion.

Sources: PopDiaries, The Tribune India, Retropoplifestyle