The Bombay Times Fashion Week kicked off its highly anticipated showcase at the Grand Hyatt Mumbai, blending glamour, innovation, and rich cultural heritage. The two-day event presented an array of stunning collections, each representing the unique voices of talented designers while pushing the boundaries of fashion.
Day one opened with a breathtaking collection by Vishal Kapoor at the Panache Runway. Titled Phulwari, Kapoor’s collection was a vibrant celebration of life, inclusivity, and chic style, designed for all ages, sizes, and genders. In collaboration with Venus Jewels by Nikita Bhimsaria, the show featured timeless diamonds, polkies, and gemstones, adding a touch of elegance and modernity. Showstoppers Mannara Chopra and Jason Shah brought their star power to the stage, while Hunar Hale and Gouri Tonnk graced the event from the front row. The Umang Signature Bespoke collection, presented by designer Umang Mehta, captivated the audience with visionary designs blending innovation with classic tailoring. Mehta’s show featured an impressive lineup of showstoppers, including Karan Singh Chhabra, influencer Vivek Keshari, and an ensemble of Shiv Thakare, Vivek Dahiya, Vatsal Sheth, and Tanuj Virwani, who brought fresh flair to the stage.
Salina Samal’s Chiraiyaa collection under the Royal Ally label followed, blending Odisha’s handloom heritage with the sparkle of Banarasi fabric. Showstopper Sanjeeda Sheikh dazzled the crowd with a piece that perfectly fused ancient weaving techniques with contemporary glamour. The day also saw Hetal Shah’s Royaleum collection, a mesmerizing display of Indian heritage blended with modern fashion. This show boasted a star-studded lineup of showstoppers, including Tara Sutaria and Taha Shah Badussha, whose presence perfectly embodied the luxurious and elegant spirit of the collection. With intricate prints and lavish detailing, the collection created a visual spectacle, representing a fusion of timeless elegance and modern aesthetics.
Closing the day, Ayaan and Riyaz Gangji of Libas unveiled their bridal collection Dawn of Harmony, with actress Soundarya Sharma walking the runway. The collection featured a delicate balance of pristine whites, softened blacks, and muted golds, presenting a symphony of harmonious designs and exquisite craftsmanship.
Day two continued the fashion extravaganza with collections that further blended tradition with contemporary innovation. The day began with Nikki Rangoonwala’s Hyaat Couture presenting Aureate Plumage, a collection inspired by the vibrant beauty of bird plumage. Showstopper Shefali Alvares Rashid showcased the luxurious designs, which featured intricate patterns and bold color palettes, reflecting Hyaat Couture’s commitment to self-expression and timeless elegance. Abhivyakti Jaiswal’s AHI Clothing followed, introducing a collection of bold color blocking and Mughal-inspired grandeur. Showstopper Naila Grewal graced the stage in a piece that showcased the brand’s blend of luxurious velvets, fluid crepes, and intricate embroidery, bringing Mughal artistry to life with a modern twist. V. Bridal by Varsha took the runway next, with the wedding collection Aiano Ka Shringar, a tribute to self-reflection, beauty, and grace. Showstopper Sana Maqbool stunned the audience, embodying the harmony between traditional and modern bridal styles in Varsha Khaware’s visionary designs.
In the afternoon, Sheetal Batra presented Ruhaniyat, a signature collection under the Ashwin Sheth Group’s Edmont. The line was inspired by Kashmir’s rich heritage, with showstopper Shibani Akhtar wearing a stunning piece that highlighted traditional tilla art and dabka zardozi embroidery, showcasing Batra’s dedication to preserving and modernizing age-old craftsmanship. Jewellery designer Sunita Gupta took the runway with her Azreena collection, presented by Ashwin Sheth Group’s Edmont, a line inspired by the mystique of the night sky. Showstoppers Surbhi Chandna and Kunal Jaisingh graced the stage, showcasing exquisite rubies, emeralds, and diamonds in unique and captivating designs.
The evening continued with Vidhi Wadhwani’s Odyssey collection, a fusion of traditional and modern silhouettes. Showstopper Radhika Madan embodied the collection’s innovative spirit, presenting a range of women’s and men’s wear featuring appliqué detailing and metallic accents. The runway then saw Pooja Rajpal Jaggi’s Ibtida, a collection celebrating feminine strength and self-expression. Showstopper Krystle D’Souza brought the collection’s bold vintage Banarasi fabrics and sequins to life, making a striking statement on the runway. As the night progressed, Sonani Jewels presented ASRA: The Enchanted Collection, an ethereal display of artistry and craftsmanship. Showstopper Palak Tiwari dazzled in a flowing gown adorned with intricate embroidery and butterfly motifs, embodying the magic and whimsy of the collection.
The final show of the night featured MeghaShrey’s collaboration with Pankaj S Heritage, showcasing The Timeless Heirlooms of India. Models took the runway to present a collection that celebrated India’s rich embroidery traditions, using real gold and silver wire. The collaboration was an ode to the country’s heritage while supporting the work of the MeghaShrey NGO, dedicated to education and sustainable development. Bubble Communication, the official media and influencer marketing partner for Bombay Times Fashion Week, played a pivotal role in creating the right experiences and buzz around the event, ensuring it garnered widespread attention and a strong media presence throughout the showcase. With Day 2 coming to a close, Bombay Times Fashion Week continues to be a prestigious platform where tradition, innovation, and contemporary style come together, offering an inspiring celebration of fashion and artistry.