10 best ethnic looks witnessed at Lakme Fashion Week 2025

Over the past two and a half decades, Lakmé Fashion Week has consistently spotlighted Indian craftsmanship, pushed the boundaries of design, and launched the careers of some of the country’s most promising designers. This season, the event, split between Delhi and Mumbai, cast its festive charm in the capital, offering the perfect inspiration for our Diwali shopping lists. With a lineup that brought together renowned names and emerging voices, some designers showcased traditional grace, while others took a more contemporary route. Here’s a look at some standout traditional pieces from Lakmé Fashion Week 2025 that deserve a place in your festive wardrobe.

Making her runway debut at just 22, Aneet became the new face of Lakme, and immediately she stole hearts with her iconic walk and gorgeous smile. She walked for Tarun Tahiliani and wore a golden sequin ensemble for the ramp, which is a reimagined saree crafted through a modern couture lens. The golden saree-dress featured Swarovski crystals all over the bodice and came with a corseted bodice, sweetheart neckline, and a sequin-embellished pallu draped around Aneet’s shoulder. The detailed pleating at the front gave it the illusion of a saree, whereas the figure-hugging silhouette perfectly accentuated her curves.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

The very glittering bridal and formal wear show of designers Jigar and Nikita was brought to an end with dual showstoppers. The very beautiful Diana Penty gracefully glided down the ramp in an intricately crafted choli with a dramatic trail and an exquisite lehenga. The pastel green A-line lehenga was decorated with dramatic pastel pink beading, with dark green tassels that screamed high fashion, blending with royal traditions. It was teamed with a matching sweetheart neckline sleeveless choli, but the dupatta was already attached to the lehenga skirt and exuded a sleek saree pallu show, which indeed looked absolutely stunning.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

The stunning actor Saiee M Manjrekar was a picture of sophisticated elegance as she opened the show in a gorgeous lehenga-choli and a sheer dupatta that was an ideal bridal attire. Her blush-pink lehenga adorned with silver sequins and intricate design shimmered like magic under the spotlight. The sweetheart neckline blouse, with the broad strap detailing, made everything look iconic and beautiful.
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Her latest collection, “Paris Mon Amour”, captured the effortless elegance of French style, drawing inspiration from the chic men and women of Paris. Bollywood actress Mandira Bedi became her perfect muse, as the diva wore a white floor-length gown and glided down the ramp like a vision of contemporary romance. The willowy silhouette was teamed with a sheer trailing scarf, which exuded a contemporary romance and took us back to the Y2K ethnic era of Bollywood.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

Parul Gulati walked for designer Ankush Jain in a multicoloured lehenga, which is perfect for Diwali parties and wedding cocktails. Dipped in blended hues of orange, yellow, and pink against a backdrop of sheer gold, the beautiful sequin embroidery with a jaali effect made everything look better and beautiful. She teamed it with a matching plunging neckline blouse and sealed the deal with a blush-pink sheer-net dupatta.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

Dipped in floral essence, Vaani Kapoor turned showstopper for Mahima Mahajan and wore a floral lehenga with a matching corset blouse that carried a poetic mix of softness and structure. Inspired by the Sufi concept of fanā, this lehenga piece featured delicate hand embellishments in true pastels and was decorated with jewel tones on silks and organzas, channelling peak feminine energy.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

Aditi Rao Hydari made her debut as co-creative director for Satya Paul and walked the ramp in a stunning black and red printed silk saree from their Night Garden collection. It featured hues of plum, navy, and scarlet, with bold floral prints that looked iconic on the drape and celebrated the festive elegance. Keeping everything sophisticated and chic, she completed the look with a plain, high-neckline, black, full-sleeved blouse.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

The evergreen Tabu made jaws drop at the Itrh’s Noor collection, exuding timeless bridal charm in a deep emerald green anarkali. The intricate embroidery with shimmer zari work added opulence and regal charm to the ethnic fit. Layered with a ghaghra, it lent depth and movement and came with a sweetheart neckline detailing, which instantly uplifted the charm. The Noor collection traced the transformation of a shy girl into a radiant bride, brought alive through rich silks, Jadau jewellery, and heritage craftsmanship.
(Image Credits: Instagram)

80s-style queen Neelam made a fashionable runway comeback and walked for designer Sanjukta Dutta in a stunning black and gold saree worn with a demure, long-sleeved black blouse. The subtle and graceful look is not meant for Diwali nights, as you’ll miss the bling, but this elegant charm can easily be worn with your office Diwali gang. The designer highlighted the beautiful Assamese weaves in rich black and maroon hues and brought a fashion depth that was instilled in ageless traditions.
(Image Credits: Instagram)