Pearl Academy, in collaboration with the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is set to make a powerful statement at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI 2024, offering emerging fashion designers a groundbreaking platform to explore themes of femininity, safety, and empowerment.
On October 13, 2024, the closing day of the fashion week, Pearl Academy will present an evolved version of its celebrated showcase, ‘First Cut.’ This event, which has been pivotal in launching the debut collections of final-year fashion design students, provides these talented individuals with an international stage to share their creative vision with the global design community.
The ‘First Cut’ showcase has consistently challenged traditional norms, addressing urgent social and global issues through fashion. Past editions have highlighted themes such as the Covid-19 pandemic, the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Turkey earthquake, and the implications of Artificial Intelligence. This year’s theme, “Chained by My Femininity,” takes a deep dive into the tension between embracing femininity and confronting the need for safety in today’s world.
The collection is presented in three acts:
- The Weight of Softness: This act portrays the burdens associated with femininity. While traditionally soft and nurturing traits are celebrated, they can also make women vulnerable to violence, leading to a conflict between their true selves and societal expectations.
- The Armor of Masculinity: This segment explores how patriarchy often disguises itself as a protector while simultaneously contributing to the dangers women face. It reflects on how women must arm themselves with a metaphorical armor to navigate a world dominated by masculine ideals and threats.
- Reclaiming Femininity: The final act is about women reclaiming their power. It deconstructs the oppressive structures of patriarchy, allowing femininity to emerge stronger. In this act, women are not defined by the limitations imposed on them but instead use their feminine essence as a source of strength and freedom.
Inspired by the rising violence against women, including recent tragedies such as the Kolkata rape case, this showcase seeks to ignite conversations around the urgent need for safety, dignity, and empowerment.
Adding to this celebration of womanhood, Pearl Academy will also launch a book dedicated to the saree—a timeless symbol of both cultural heritage and personal empowerment for women across India.
This powerful showcase promises to resonate deeply, blending art, fashion, and social commentary into a poignant call for change and empowerment.
“The theme ‘Chained by My Femininity’ pays homage to the profound strength of women, from revered goddesses to everyday champions. This show celebrates today’s women, honoring their extraordinary power while encouraging us to reflect on the challenges they face. By fostering awareness and appreciation for their experiences, we aim to inspire a deeper understanding of the potential and resilience of women in our society. At Pearl Academy, we are committed to nurturing this spirit of creativity in our students, empowering them to craft impactful narratives that uplift and advocate for all women,” says Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy.
”In an industry where innovation and creativity are the driving forces, it is crucial to empower the younger generation with opportunities to lead the way. Our collaboration with Pearl Academy reflects our shared commitment to nurturing and elevating emerging talent. By providing these budding designers a platform at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, we are not only showcasing their fresh, bold ideas but also contributing to the future of fashion. We are proud to witness the remarkable creativity and vision that Pearl Academy students bring to the table, and we look forward to their continued success in shaping the global fashion landscape” says Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India.
About House of Lakmē:
The House of Lakmē, is India’s no.1 colour cosmetics and leading premium skincare brand from Hindustan Unilever Ltd. The brand has been the pioneer of the make-up and colour cosmetics in India since 1952 with 1000+ SKUs that push the trendsetting envelope of beauty and fashion. Combining international cosmetic technology with an in-depth understanding of the Indian consumer’s needs, the House of Lakmē offers a comprehensive beauty experience through its extensive product portfolio, for fashionistas to embrace beauty unapologetically. For further information, log on to: www.Lakmēindia.com
About Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI):
A non-profit organisation, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), is the apex body of fashion design in India, represented by over 400 members. Founded on the premise of promoting, nurturing, and representing the best of fashion and design talent in the country; its prime objective is to propagate the business of fashion. FDCI stays true to its commitment to promote the ‘Make in India’ label as handlooms take centre stage, in a country, who’s heritage is soaked in the flavours of indigenous crafts. For more information, please visit: www.fdci.org
