Combining forces of the powerhouses of fashion & beauty in India, Lakmé Fashion Week (LFW) comprises the best curation and designers from Delhi, Mumbai, and across India. The mega event is jointly organised by Lakmé and RISE Worldwide (formerly IMG Reliance); and Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI). For over a quarter of a century, Lakmé Fashion Week, India’s premier fashion and lifestyle extravaganza, has emerged as a focal point for emerging talent, sustainable practices, and the commercial aspects of the fashion industry. Boasting a community of over 100 designers, enterprises, and key players in the sector, LFW has been creating unique experiences and redefining the fashion landscape.
LFW is held twice a year. The Summer/Resort show was held in Mumbai this March while the Winter/Festive show is being held in Delhi this month. It was a year of unconventional fashion moments at the Lakmé Fashion Week. The designers have been going all out with every passing fashion week. And the celebrities are taking things a notch higher as well. One key highlight being Saba Azad’s most talked about performance this Wednesday, 11th October, 2023. Saba made headlines after being in a relationship with Bollywood superstar Hrithik Roshan and is now the hot topic in the town for her ramp walk and performance at the Lakmé Fashion Week that grabbed eyeballs.
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The Opening Night
The opening night of FDCI X Lakme Fashion Week 2023 featured an elegant and poised show from the clothing label Raw Mango. What set this show apart from others is that it had no showstoppers. Instead, celebrities like Kalki Koechlin, Karisma Kapoor, and Saba Azad walked the ramp with other models, keeping the focus on the glitz, glitter, and disco-themed handwoven Indian wear. Raw Mango’s founder and designer, Sanjay Garg said that all three of the celebrities had been very supportive of his vision. Karisma Kapoor “was floored” by his concept, Kalki Koechlin felt the “raw-ness” of Raw Mango in the garments while Saba Azad felt “at home” on the ramp.
Saba’s Look
The “Who’s Your Gynac?” actor wore a Raw Mango shimmery metallic co-ord set and graced the ramp with her style. She wore a sleeveless top with a closed neckline in a metallic gold colour palette and teamed it with a pair of loose-fit pants that had “gota” and “benarasi” work in the attire. Her shimmery makeup and sleek hairstyle added to the glamour of the attire. Saba also said that the disco theme resonated with music which felt like home to her.
Her Performance
Geisha Designs showcased their evening occasion wear 2023 collection called Profusion, for which Saba donned a dazzling bejewelled bralette adorned with playful tassels. It was the second day in a row for the actress on the Lakme Fashion Week runway. Her bralette was paired with pleated palazzo pants and a cropped blazer for a chic look. Trust Saba to bring something unique yet fashionable to the stage.
While her fashion game was brilliant, her makeup look was just as good, like a pixie dream come true. The makeup and minute details perfectly complemented her dazzling drop earrings. She went for soft glam along with muted shimmer and wispy lashes. With a tint and blush pink lipstick, Saba added a fresh spin to her makeup look. To notch up the glam, her neatly curled hair on the front added a retro vibe to the overall style.
The multitalented Saba Azad jazzed up the ramp with her live performance along with Imaad Shah playing the guitar. Several clips from the show surfaced online in which Saba can be seen flaunting her singing skills. She also showcased her love for dancing as she indulged in some quirky dance steps while crooning some catchy tracks.
The Internet has been divided, and there are many who are mocking Saba, claiming she is lost. There are others who are hailing her for her confidence and mentioning that it takes guts to do this. “Seems like she is also a good dancer like Hrithik,” a user commented while another wrote, “What a disaster. She is not making eye contact with the crowd.“
An unfazed Saba
Someone at the show mentioned, “Saba thoroughly enjoyed the walk that she performed at Lakmé Fashion Week. She was very much aware of the trolls and wasn’t surprised by the criticism; in fact, she had a chill time at the backstage after the show was over, and people around her were just amazed by her confidence. Saba is a one-of-a-kind woman, and she never gets affected by the faceless opinions around her.“
In response to receiving hate, Saba Azad said,” It’s taken me quite some time to come to a place where I treat everything else as white noise because hatred is palpable. I am not made of stone; it hits you. You feel like sh*t. There are days when you wake up and wonder, ‘What did I do to anyone?’ ‘What did I do to you?’ ‘I am living my life; you live yours’ ‘why are you waiting for my blood?’ But at some point, you realise you are not responsible for how people think, and what they are projecting on you is what they are going through. It has nothing to do with you. Once you realise that, peace prevails“.
Well, change is the only constant. Adding newness to an event definitely breaks from the monotony of it and can be a refreshing difference. How do you feel about this deviation toward unconventional fashion shows?
