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Lakme Fashion Week 2026 | Anamika Khanna Brings Out the Stars for an Unexpected Opening
With Armaan Malik, Aashna Shroff, Neha Dhupia, Angad Bedi, Jonita Gandhi and Boney Kapoor in attendance, the designer’s AK|OK showcase kicked off Lakmē Fashion Week 20206 with unmistakable celebrity power.
At Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India, designer Anamika Khanna opened the season with a commanding AK|OK showcase that felt like a departure from anything she has presented before. From Armaan Malik and Aashna Shroff to Neha Dhupia and Angad Bedi, Jonita Gandhi, Boney Kapoor and more, it was a characteristically star-studded opening night.
"The core idea was imperfection," Khanna said to The Hollywood Reporter India after the show, as guests interrupted every few minutes to congratulate her and models continued to mingle in the background. "The fact that it's okay to let things be, to let it go."
The collection unfolded as a study in ease and intention. Draped dhoti pants, ruffled asymmetric tops and relaxed co-ord sets shared runway space with floor-length gowns, all designed to move seamlessly between occasion wear and elevated everyday dressing.
The seating, too, remained integral to the Anamika Khanna show experience. Long, winding rows at the Art House within the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre ensured every guest had a front-row vantage point. "Democracy," she explained with a smile.
Khanna explored the idea of beauty in imperfection—drawing parallels to something as simple and evocative as a flower blooming in an unexpected place. Hand-painted textures, unfinished edges and asymmetrical constructions became deliberate design choices.
One notable absence, however, was Khanna’s “forever" muse and longtime friend, Sonam Kapoor, though her mother Sunita Kapoor and brother were present at the show. When asked who her muse is, she says Kapoor, "there's no question about it." But she also admitted that there are many who inspire her, and her designs are not limited to only one muse.
Of all the films she has styled costumes for—including Kapoor’s—Khanna cites Aisha as her favourite. "It's one of my favourite movies because it's just so natural. It was just us and we really had fun doing it."
Textiles and surface detailing played a crucial role in amplifying this message. Intricate hand embroidery, 3-D embellishments and gold zari work were juxtaposed with bold, almost abstract floral graphics. Playful, fur-like textures (reimagined through alternative materials) introduced movement and a touch of theatricality.
A notable evolution this season was the introduction of menswear within the AK|OK universe. Echoing the relaxed sophistication of the womenswear, the pieces offered modern, fluid tailoring that felt aligned with shifting ideas of masculinity and occasion dressing.
Ultimately, Khanna’s showcase wasn’t just about clothes—it was about redefining how they are experienced, setting a compelling precedent for the LFW season ahead.