A New Algorithm To Fashion Week

There's a new algorithm to fashion week, revealing an amalgamation of viral moments, Instagrammable collections, and a new seasonless approach

- Shriya Zamindar

SHANTNU & NIKHIL

Has there been something brewing in the 21st-century zeitgeist captured during the five-day-long FDCI x Lakmé Fashion Week that provided much-needed escapism? For the young-blooded and eager newcomers in the industry, the realm of fashion has provided that fabled element in books, magazines, films, and shows. Good shows incite a child-like response of glee, even from the most seasoned show-goers. It's what has been the biggest expectation from this custom. The runway is inherently a romanticised and theatrical version of what designers believe their clothes to encompass. In short: Fashion week is steeped in prestige, validation, and exclusivity. That's the appeal.

SHANTNU & NIKHIL

However, the tradition we've become accustomed to, which has followed a typical slow descent from runway to rack, has changed. An 'instant' and audience-centric one is governing it, whose quick tempo is setting the trend for designers, transforming the habitat of this bi-annual fashion event. After two years of restricted and sporadic fashion moments, the modifications to the seasonal system are monumental. However, the larger question here is: Does it incite the same level of excitement in the digital age by providing an all-access pass to a virtual audience?

HUEMN

SEASON ESCAPE