Some shows are about clothes. The best ones are about everything the clothes carry with them. On the evening of 18 October at Taj Palace, New Delhi, Maruti Suzuki NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’ delivered exactly that, as winning designers Linetribe_ by Gaurav Jagtiani and Richa Khemka unveiled their collections, ‘Pinnacle’ and ‘Vesper’, at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India.
This edition’s theme, ‘The Unseen’, asked each designer to bring forward what usually stays out of view: the craft and process behind a garment, untold narratives, overlooked perspectives and the emotions beneath the surface. Both designers answered with confidence and clarity.
The Spotlight has always been more than a runway slot. It gives designers the room to build a complete world around their work through fashion, set design and storytelling. Mirrored columns lined the runway, catching every silhouette from a new angle, and the result was an evening that felt immersive, considered and genuinely memorable.
Linetribe_ ‘Pinnacle’: The Journey Behind the Persona
With ‘Pinnacle’, Gaurav Jagtiani took a fresh look at success and glamour. He set aside the polished final image and turned his attention to the journeys that shape it. The collection celebrates a modern idea of aspiration, one built on individuality, finding your voice and making a difference.
Showstopper Sakshi Sindwani closes ‘Pinnacle’ in a black power-shoulder pantsuit, its sculpted sleeves alive with vivid green ruching, a Linetribe_ signature.
Tailoring is the heart of Linetribe_, and here it was at its most assured. Structured, androgynous silhouettes balanced strength with vulnerability. Sharp outerwear met fluid inserts, and precise cutaways revealed glimpses of skin, adding a warm, human note to the architecture.
Ivory at its most graceful: a crisp blazer over a ribbed bandeau and wide trousers, with a quilted drape washed in a soft ombré.
A floor-length grey pinstripe coat with a dramatic collar and strong shoulders, cinched by a ruched satin panel and cutaways at the waist.
Reimagined pinstripes on a zip-detailed, sharp-shouldered jacket, paired with a sheer column skirt and a sleek black crescent bag.
Power dressing, refined: a bead-studded sleeveless waistcoat with an elongated lapel, worn over relaxed wide-leg trousers.
A playful take on everyday ease: a soft grey sweatshirt traced with sculptural ombré tubing, styled with ivory western boots and metallic visor shades.
The finale belonged to Sakshi Sindwani, a celebrated voice for body positivity and inclusivity. Her walk embodied the label’s philosophy of confidence without conformity, and the room responded with warmth.
Gaurav Jagtiani takes his bow with showstopper Sakshi Sindwani as the ‘Pinnacle’ line-up applauds.
“With ‘Pinnacle’, I wanted to explore what success and glamour mean to us today. We often see the finished image, but rarely the experiences, vulnerabilities and personal journeys that shape it. For me, ‘The Unseen’ was an opportunity to bring those layers into focus. Through strong tailoring, fluidity and unexpected details, we wanted to create a collection that reflects both strength and sensitivity. Presenting this collection through NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’ has allowed us to tell that story in a much more expressive way.”— Gaurav Jagtiani, Founder and Creative Director, Linetribe_
Richa Khemka ‘Vesper’: Identity in Light and Shadow
Where ‘Pinnacle’ looked inward, Richa Khemka’s ‘Vesper’ looked through reflection. Drawing on the visual language of noir, the collection played with light, shadow and refraction, so that familiar forms revealed exciting new dimensions.
Showstopper Diana Penty in an embellished black bralette and a high-waisted black-and-white fringed skirt with a dramatic slit, the waist defined by a black cummerbund with silver embroidery.
Sculptural silhouettes, metallic surfaces and delicate sheer layers formed the foundation of the line. Structure and transparency worked in harmony, while reflective finishes, pearl and sequin embroidery and fluid fringe gave every look movement and intrigue.
Sculpture in motion: a pleated, one-shoulder ivory bodice spirals with indigo graphics over a sheer, embroidered pencil skirt.
A shimmering study in contrast: an asymmetric one-shoulder tunic encrusted with pearls and sequins, layered over black shorts and lace tights.
Texture meets movement: a beaded black fringed crop top with an ink-washed fringe skirt that flows like brushstrokes on the runway.
The result was a modern, confident expression of femininity that embraces transformation. Diana Penty’s closing walk captured the collection’s blend of strength, elegance and individuality, bringing ‘Vesper’ to a radiant finish.
Richa Khemka joins Diana Penty and the full ‘Vesper’ line-up for the finale, a striking tableau of metallics, fringe and sheer layers.
“Vesper” is an exploration of the different layers of identity and how we continue to evolve through our experiences. I was drawn to the idea of reflection, both literally and emotionally, and how light and shadow can reveal something entirely unexpected. The collection brings together sculptural forms, metallic textures and sheer layers to express that sense of transformation. ‘The Unseen’ gave me the freedom to experiment with these contrasts and create a collection that feels mysterious, expressive and personal.”— Richa Khemka, Founder and Designer
A Platform That Lets Talent Shine
For NEXA, The Spotlight is a natural extension of a brand that values experiences beyond the expected. Thomas Cheriyan, Executive Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, framed the evening perfectly.
“NEXA has always believed in creating experiences that go beyond the expected and offer new ways of engaging with design, creativity and culture. Through Maruti Suzuki NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’, we continue to provide designers with a platform that allows them to express their vision in a format that is immersive and individual to their creative language. ‘The Unseen’ takes this thought further by encouraging designers to explore what lies beneath the surface and bring stories and perspectives that may otherwise remain undiscovered into focus. We congratulate Linetribe_ by Gaurav Jagtiani and Richa Khemka on bringing their distinct interpretations to life at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.”— Thomas Cheriyan, Executive Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd
Two designers, one theme and two beautifully different answers. ‘Pinnacle’ celebrated the strength and sensitivity behind the personas we present, while ‘Vesper’ found poetry in reflection and transformation. Together they proved that fashion, craftsmanship and storytelling are at their most powerful when they work as one.
With this October 2026 edition, Maruti Suzuki NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’ has once again affirmed its place as a meaningful platform for emerging Indian design talent. It encourages designers to push creative boundaries and present their work in bold new ways, and on this evening the unseen was brought vividly, memorably into view.
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Some shows are about clothes. The best ones are about everything the clothes carry with them. On the evening of 18 October at Taj Palace, New Delhi, Maruti Suzuki NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’ delivered exactly that, as winning designers Linetribe_ by Gaurav Jagtiani and Richa Khemka unveiled their collections, ‘Pinnacle’ and ‘Vesper’, at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India.
This edition’s theme, ‘The Unseen’, asked each designer to bring forward what usually stays out of view: the craft and process behind a garment, untold narratives, overlooked perspectives and the emotions beneath the surface. Both designers answered with confidence and clarity.
The Spotlight has always been more than a runway slot. It gives designers the room to build a complete world around their work through fashion, set design and storytelling. Mirrored columns lined the runway, catching every silhouette from a new angle, and the result was an evening that felt immersive, considered and genuinely memorable.
Linetribe_ ‘Pinnacle’: The Journey Behind the Persona
With ‘Pinnacle’, Gaurav Jagtiani took a fresh look at success and glamour. He set aside the polished final image and turned his attention to the journeys that shape it. The collection celebrates a modern idea of aspiration, one built on individuality, finding your voice and making a difference.
Showstopper Sakshi Sindwani closes ‘Pinnacle’ in a black power-shoulder pantsuit, its sculpted sleeves alive with vivid green ruching, a Linetribe_ signature.
Tailoring is the heart of Linetribe_, and here it was at its most assured. Structured, androgynous silhouettes balanced strength with vulnerability. Sharp outerwear met fluid inserts, and precise cutaways revealed glimpses of skin, adding a warm, human note to the architecture.
Ivory at its most graceful: a crisp blazer over a ribbed bandeau and wide trousers, with a quilted drape washed in a soft ombré.
A floor-length grey pinstripe coat with a dramatic collar and strong shoulders, cinched by a ruched satin panel and cutaways at the waist.
Reimagined pinstripes on a zip-detailed, sharp-shouldered jacket, paired with a sheer column skirt and a sleek black crescent bag.
Power dressing, refined: a bead-studded sleeveless waistcoat with an elongated lapel, worn over relaxed wide-leg trousers.
A playful take on everyday ease: a soft grey sweatshirt traced with sculptural ombré tubing, styled with ivory western boots and metallic visor shades.
The finale belonged to Sakshi Sindwani, a celebrated voice for body positivity and inclusivity. Her walk embodied the label’s philosophy of confidence without conformity, and the room responded with warmth.
Gaurav Jagtiani takes his bow with showstopper Sakshi Sindwani as the ‘Pinnacle’ line-up applauds.
“With ‘Pinnacle’, I wanted to explore what success and glamour mean to us today. We often see the finished image, but rarely the experiences, vulnerabilities and personal journeys that shape it. For me, ‘The Unseen’ was an opportunity to bring those layers into focus. Through strong tailoring, fluidity and unexpected details, we wanted to create a collection that reflects both strength and sensitivity. Presenting this collection through NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’ has allowed us to tell that story in a much more expressive way.”— Gaurav Jagtiani, Founder and Creative Director, Linetribe_
Richa Khemka ‘Vesper’: Identity in Light and Shadow
Where ‘Pinnacle’ looked inward, Richa Khemka’s ‘Vesper’ looked through reflection. Drawing on the visual language of noir, the collection played with light, shadow and refraction, so that familiar forms revealed exciting new dimensions.
Showstopper Diana Penty in an embellished black bralette and a high-waisted black-and-white fringed skirt with a dramatic slit, the waist defined by a black cummerbund with silver embroidery.
Sculptural silhouettes, metallic surfaces and delicate sheer layers formed the foundation of the line. Structure and transparency worked in harmony, while reflective finishes, pearl and sequin embroidery and fluid fringe gave every look movement and intrigue.
Sculpture in motion: a pleated, one-shoulder ivory bodice spirals with indigo graphics over a sheer, embroidered pencil skirt.
A shimmering study in contrast: an asymmetric one-shoulder tunic encrusted with pearls and sequins, layered over black shorts and lace tights.
Texture meets movement: a beaded black fringed crop top with an ink-washed fringe skirt that flows like brushstrokes on the runway.
The result was a modern, confident expression of femininity that embraces transformation. Diana Penty’s closing walk captured the collection’s blend of strength, elegance and individuality, bringing ‘Vesper’ to a radiant finish.
Richa Khemka joins Diana Penty and the full ‘Vesper’ line-up for the finale, a striking tableau of metallics, fringe and sheer layers.
“Vesper” is an exploration of the different layers of identity and how we continue to evolve through our experiences. I was drawn to the idea of reflection, both literally and emotionally, and how light and shadow can reveal something entirely unexpected. The collection brings together sculptural forms, metallic textures and sheer layers to express that sense of transformation. ‘The Unseen’ gave me the freedom to experiment with these contrasts and create a collection that feels mysterious, expressive and personal.”— Richa Khemka, Founder and Designer
A Platform That Lets Talent Shine
For NEXA, The Spotlight is a natural extension of a brand that values experiences beyond the expected. Thomas Cheriyan, Executive Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, framed the evening perfectly.
“NEXA has always believed in creating experiences that go beyond the expected and offer new ways of engaging with design, creativity and culture. Through Maruti Suzuki NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’, we continue to provide designers with a platform that allows them to express their vision in a format that is immersive and individual to their creative language. ‘The Unseen’ takes this thought further by encouraging designers to explore what lies beneath the surface and bring stories and perspectives that may otherwise remain undiscovered into focus. We congratulate Linetribe_ by Gaurav Jagtiani and Richa Khemka on bringing their distinct interpretations to life at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.”— Thomas Cheriyan, Executive Vice President Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd
Two designers, one theme and two beautifully different answers. ‘Pinnacle’ celebrated the strength and sensitivity behind the personas we present, while ‘Vesper’ found poetry in reflection and transformation. Together they proved that fashion, craftsmanship and storytelling are at their most powerful when they work as one.
With this October 2026 edition, Maruti Suzuki NEXA Presents ‘The Spotlight’ has once again affirmed its place as a meaningful platform for emerging Indian design talent. It encourages designers to push creative boundaries and present their work in bold new ways, and on this evening the unseen was brought vividly, memorably into view.
TO BE CONTINUED, FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.
This is where the surface ends and the reporting begins.
The complete piece, the full archive, and access to The French Press Circle. Reporting answerable only to its readers.
Already a subscriber ?
Login
Read these on the house, with our compliments.
A selection from the current issue, open to all readers. Read them in full. The rest is one decision away.