‘INIFD PRESENTS GENNEXT’ UNVEILS FOUR WINNERS TO DEBUT IN LAKME FASHION WEEK 2024

Designers Rohitash Notani, Charmee Ambavat, Kriti Greta Singhee, and Shimona Agrawal emerge as victors for the 37th ‘INIFD Presents GenNext’ Program

On the 6th of February 2024, amidst a celebration of creativity and innovation, the 37th edition of INIFD Presents GenNext, a pivotal talent discovery program by Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, unveiled its latest batch of four exceptional winning designers. Rohitash Notani (Rosani), Charmee Ambavat (The Terra Tribe), Kriti Greta Singhee (Kriti Greta Singhee), and Shimona Agrawal (Shimona Agrawal) emerged victorious, earning the opportunity to showcase their distinctive collections on the runway of Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, scheduled for the March edition in Mumbai.

Rohitash Notani, an IED Milan alum, blends conventional masculinity with feminine sensuality in “Anima & Animus,” featuring high-end embroideries and workwear fabrics. Charmee Ambavat, a NIFT Mumbai graduate, draws inspiration from African tribes in “Indigene,” showcasing versatile designs. Shimona Agrawal, a NIFT Gandhinagar alum, emphasizes sustainability in “Re-imagined for the Modern Soul,” crafted from handwoven Banarasi silk. Kriti Greta Singhee, with degrees from NIFT Kolkata and Istituto Marangoni, explores geometric patterns in “Third Space-Sustainable Future” using organic hand-woven silks and Bengal cotton silks.

This announcement is in line with Lakmē Fashion Week x FDCI’s continuing efforts to propel emerging talents onto both national and global stages. Serving as the industry’s coveted platform, INIFD Presents GenNext has played a crucial role in identifying and nurturing over 250 designers, including notable names such as Rahul Mishra, Kunal Rawal, Masaba Gupta, Ruchika Sachdeva, Ujjawal Dubey, among others, who have become paragons of excellence not only in India but also internationally.

Renowned for its commitment to nurturing emerging talent, GenNext provides designers with invaluable opportunities to refine their skills, offering a gateway for them to step into their well-deserved spotlight in the dynamic world of fashion. As the 37th edition unfolds a new chapter, these four talented individuals are set to make a lasting impact with their winning collections, contributing to the ever-evolving narrative of the Indian fashion landscape.

Just like every season, entries were welcomed for the GenNext program from all corners of India. The shortlisted designers showcased their collections to a distinguished jury comprising Sunanda Khaitan, Vice President, Lakmē; Sabina Chopra, GenNext Mentor; Rochelle Pinto, Head of Editorial Content, Vogue India; Tina Tahiliani Parikh, Executive Director, Ensemble; Kunal Rawal, the rockstar of Indian fashion; and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd.

It’s like the fashion Olympics, right? Picture the runway as the ultimate stage, and these designers are the sprinters, giving it their all for that gold medal in style. And with a jury lineup like that, you know the competition was fierce – like trying to decide between pizza and tacos. But hey, fashion is serious business, and these guys are not here to play. They’re here to slay!

Designers Rohitash Notani, Charmee Ambavat, Kriti Greta Singhee, and Shimona Agrawal emerged as winners of the 37th ‘INIFD Presents GenNext’ Program, announced on February 6, 2024. Their distinctive collections will be showcased at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI in March in Mumbai. Each designer brings a unique flair to the runway, blending conventional and modern elements in their creations.

This announcement reflects GenNext’s commitment to fostering emerging talent in the fashion industry, providing a platform for designers to shine on both national and global stages. With past winners including renowned names like Rahul Mishra and Masaba Gupta, the program continues to shape the future of Indian fashion.

The selection process involved showcasing collections to a distinguished jury, ensuring only the best talent made it through. This year’s lineup promises to make a significant impact on the fashion landscape, with designs that push boundaries and challenge conventions.

Overall, the GenNext program serves as a launching pad for emerging designers, offering them the opportunity to showcase their creativity and talent to the world. It’s like the fashion Olympics, where designers compete for the gold medal in style, and these winners are ready to slay the runway!