Designer Rahul Mishra unveiled a visually arresting Fall/Winter 2025 collection for his brand Afew at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). Staged in collaboration with Nexa, the runway show was a celebration of cultural convergence, transporting the audience along the historic Silk Route through sculptural silhouettes, opulent textures, and global textile traditions.

A Cultural Tapestry Woven in Couture

Taking inspiration from the ancient trade route that bridged the East and West, Mishra’s collection, The Silk Route, captured the exchange of crafts, ideas, and aesthetics that have shaped global fashion history—with India at its heart.

Blending Bandhani from India and Shibori from Japan, the collection also referenced European art, including the exotic jungles of Henri Rousseau. The result was a richly layered narrative that celebrated heritage through modern couture.

Dramatic Silhouettes and Janhvi Kapoor’s Star Turn

The designs featured sculptural proportions for both menswear and womenswear, juxtaposing fluid drapery with structural forms. Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor served as the showstopper, closing the event in a stunning black robe that revealed a shimmering gown with a thigh-high slit, bringing a touch of glamour to the collection’s artistic expression.

Fashion Meets Future: Nexa’s Immersive Runway

In a nod to Nexa’s cutting-edge automotive innovation, the runway incorporated blind-spot mirror installations, symbolizing the fusion of tradition and technology. “The e-Vitara’s collaboration with Rahul Mishra aligned seamlessly with Nexa’s mission to redefine luxury and innovation in the automotive space,” said Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing & Sales at Maruti Suzuki.

A Star-Studded Fashion Week

Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI, held in Mumbai from March 26–30, showcased numerous prominent designers including OTT by Tarun Tahiliani, Saaksha & Kinni, and S&N by Shantnu Nikhil, reaffirming its role as a premier platform for Indian fashion.