One of the most anticipated fashion events - FDCI India Couture Week 2025 - returns from July 23 to 30, at New Delhi, marking its 18th edition with a powerful lineup of 14 celebrated designers. From timeless legends to bold innovators, this season promises an opulent journey through India’s evolving couture landscape.
The week opens with Rahul Mishra, whose Paris couture sensibility and intricate storytelling bring slow fashion to the fore. The grand finale will be helmed by JJ Valaya, celebrating 33 years in fashion with his signature blend of royal opulence and architectural finesse.
Other marquee names showcasing include Manish Malhotra, Tarun Tahiliani, Ritu Kumar, Suneet Varma, Falguni Shane Peacock, Amit Aggarwal, Shantnu & Nikhil, Jayanti Reddy, Rimzim Dadu, Aisha Rao and Rose Room by Isha Jajodia.
This season, expect an extravagant celebration of craftsmanship, with designers revisiting traditional Indian techniques - zardozi, handloom weaves, mirror work - while tailoring them for contemporary brides and grooms. The event is set to be a bridal trend forecast for 2025, where jewel-toned lehengas, veiled silhouettes, dramatic capes, sculpted jackets and modern drapes will dominate.
Designers such as Ritu Kumar, who celebrates over 50 years in fashion, and Suneet Varma, known for his glamour-infused bridal couture, are expected to present collections that bridge heritage with modernity. Their continued presence reaffirms the importance of Indian textiles and ornamentation as foundational pillars of couture.
Meanwhile, labels such as Amit Aggarwal and Aisha Rao push the envelope with futuristic silhouettes and maximalist bridal palettes, while Tarun Tahiliani and Rohit Bal (presented posthumously) offer an emotive, artisanal touch to the proceedings. The younger entrants, especially Rose Room and Jayanti Reddy, ensure the runway reflects a wider spectrum of Indian couture voices.
Whether it’s the theatrical elegance of Valaya, the red-carpet sparkle of Malhotra or the handcrafted poetry of Rahul Mishra, this season’s Couture Week promises not just fashion, but a cultural moment. As India continues to shape its luxury identity, Couture Week becomes a platform where tradition meets ambition, one elaborate stitch at a time.