Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI: Anurag Gupta Declared Winner Of Nexa Presents The Spotlight

Last Updated:February 23, 2026, 18:55 IST

Designer Anurag Gupta will showcase his winning collection at the upcoming Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI in March 2026 in Mumbai.

Designer Anurag Gupta secured the winning spot after presenting his interpretation of Neoterra.

Fashion designer Anurag Gupta was declared the winner of Nexa presents The Spotlight. As the winning designer, Anurag Gupta will receive funding from NEXA towards the set design and will showcase the collection at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI, which will be held between March 19 and March 22, 2026, in Mumbai.

The Spotlight Theme

The Spotlight is a platform backed by Nexa that empowers and highlights emerging design talent in India. In the 11th edition, the theme revolves around Neoterra, which explores the idea of a new earth, a future shaped by conscious innovation, sustainable design, and technological advancements in harmony with nature.

The Winning Collection

Anurag Gupta’s winning collection draws inspiration from Utagawa Kuniyoshi’s vivid narratives of nature and movement, reinterpreted through a future-forward technological lens. At its core is an innovative cotton-hemp fabric developed in collaboration with IIT Delhi using plasma technology, positioning hemp as a low-water, pesticide-free alternative to conventional cotton. Crafted through engineered jacquard knitting, the textile innovation supports sustainable development while strengthening hemp-farming livelihoods.

The Participants

Anurag Gupta participated along with a line-up of six shortlisted designers that included AKHL by Akhil Nagpal, Anjum Khan, FARAK by Rishabh Kumar, Stoïque, and Line Outline by Deepit Chugh. The designers were challenged to interpret how fashion can evolve responsibly, embracing next-generation materials and processes while remaining rooted in craft and creativity.

The Jury

The jury included industry experts Thomas Cheriyan, Executive Vice President, Marketing, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd; Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI; Rimzim Dadu, Designer; Aindrila Mitra, Editor, Robb Report; and Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd.

Experts Speak

Partho Banerjee, Senior Executive Officer Marketing & Sales, Maruti Suzuki India Limited: “At NEXA, we are proud to be a part of initiatives like NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’ that nurture emerging talent while encouraging meaningful innovation in fashion. This season’s theme ‘Neoterra’ challenged designers to rethink the relationship between technology and nature. Anurag Gupta’s collection stood out for its thoughtful integration of advanced textile development and sustainable practices, embodying the progressive spirit that NEXA represents. We eagerly look forward to witnessing his showcase at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI in March 2026.”

Sunil Sethi, Chairman FDCI: “Our continued association with NEXA for NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’ reaffirms a shared commitment to fostering new voices in Indian fashion. This season’s presentations were forward-thinking and deeply conscious of the future. Anurag Gupta’s approach merging textile innovation with ecological responsibility particularly resonated with the jury. We look forward to seeing his vision come to life on the runway.”

Jaspreet Chandok, Group Vice President, Reliance Brands Ltd.: “NEXA presents ‘The Spotlight’ has established itself as an important launchpad for emerging designers over the years. With each edition, the platform uncovers talent that pushes the boundaries of creativity and innovation. Anurag Gupta’s win this season reflects a strong narrative of progress and purpose, and we are excited to see his collection showcased at Lakmē Fashion Week X FDCI in March 2026.”