The capital's fashion calendar lit up as the Delhi Times Fashion Week 2025 commenced in grand style at The Grand, Delhi. Powered by HMD and co-powered by JK Tyre, the opening day was a vibrant celebration of style, showcasing everything from glittering wedding couture and comfortable winter wear to off-beat silhouettes, setting the tone for the season's hottest trends.
Bridal Brilliance and Cultural Fusion Take Center Stage
The wedding edit was a major highlight, with the House of Surya presenting its 'Nur' collection. Designer Raghav Mittal explained that the vision was to spotlight Indian traditional craftsmanship. The showstopper, actor Chitrangada Singh, mesmerized the audience in a heavily hand-embroidered lehenga. "It's like the Olympics, you get that one time kind of feeling," she shared, describing the pressure and excitement of being a showstopper.
Mittal revealed that Chitrangada's outfit, where the base fabric nearly vanished under dense threadwork, was the most intricately crafted piece. Each ensemble takes three to four months to create, making the collection extremely exclusive.
Another notable presentation was 'Rang Mahal', a collaborative effort by Nepalese designer Swoyamm Gurung and Delhi-based designer Deepika Kapoor. The collection fused Indian and Nepalese cultures, using bright colours and mermaid cuts with the modern bride in mind.
Winter Wear, Retro Vibes, and Fresh Talent Shine
The ramp also sizzled with contemporary winter fashion. Red Chief unveiled its 'Urban Rider' winter collection, featuring refined hoodies, tailored trousers, and iconic footwear. Actor Harsh Nagar, the showstopper for the brand, expressed his personal connection, stating it was special to find a men's fashion brand that felt authentically Indian. Rahul Sharma, Sr. Marketing Manager at Red Chief, called the experience "mesmerizing."
Designer Shravan Kummar brought a retro Bollywood vibe, reimagining Banaras silk for today's weddings with trends like sarees paired with corset blouses. He emphasized his mission to support weaving communities across India, famously stating, "wear a saree, save a weaver."
The event also served as a crucial platform for emerging talent and educational institutions. Students from Subharti College of Fine Arts & Fashion Design presented a collection under the theme 'Fusion Fiesta', combining heritage nouveau, night-time elegance, and peafowl motifs in royal blues and purples. Similarly, Artemisia College of Art & Design (ACAD) showcased designs inspired by South Indian artwork, using colours drawn from elements like lamps (yellows and oranges) and kajal (black).
New Designers and Diverse Inspirations Mark the Event
Young designer Bushra Jamal, just 23, realized her dream of walking the DTFW ramp with her Hollywood-inspired collection featuring offbeat silhouettes in bright colours. "I hope I can become an inspiration for other young girls!" she said emotionally.
Other collections included PROT Official's 'After Hours: The Sunset Edit' by Ayushi Jindal, designed for the confident evening woman, using a colour palette that progressed from light pink to black with stars. Vega added to the glamour by showcasing a shimmering lineup of grooming and hairstyles designed by Mouhit Kumar Sachdev, inspired by the festive cocktail party season.
The opening day of DTFW 2025 successfully blended heritage with modernity, established names with fresh faces, and traditional wear with contemporary style, promising an exciting week ahead for fashion enthusiasts.
