New Delhi, 17 October 2026: Celebrating the artistry, craftsmanship and evolving spirit of Italian fashion, Eccellenza, The artisans of Italian Style, presented by the Italian Trade Agency in collaboration with Confartigianato, the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) and the Embassy of Italy in India, brought together three distinctive Italian labels, Avant Toi, LeoDean and UNBREAKIT, at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI, held at Taj Palace, New Delhi. The showcase highlighted the creative exchange between India and Italy, bringing together experimental textiles, Mediterranean-inspired dressing and artistic expression through three distinct perspectives on contemporary Italian design.
Moving between material innovation, effortless sophistication and expressive design, the runway reflected the diversity of Italian fashion and its enduring relationship with craftsmanship. Each label brought its own interpretation of modern luxury, where traditional techniques met contemporary silhouettes, unexpected textures and a distinct sense of individuality.
Avant Toi presented ‘Traces of Memory’, a collection inspired by the ancient Salt Roads connecting the Mediterranean coast to the Alps. Drawing from landscapes shaped by wind, salt and time, the collection explored material experimentation through unconventional dyeing techniques, textured knitwear and an earthy, nature-inspired palette. Lightweight cashmere gauzes, cotton ribbon yarns, mouliné knits, floral raffia embroidery and basketry-inspired weaves came together with raw-cut fabrics and delicate crochet details. Salt-dyed textiles, time-worn toile de Jouy prints and Provençal-inspired florals further reflected the label’s distinctive approach to craftsmanship, where imperfections and artistic treatments became an integral part of the design language.
Speaking on the collaboration, Sunil Sethi, Chairman, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), said, “Italy has a remarkable legacy of craftsmanship and design, and Eccellenza – The artisans of Italian Style brought that heritage to the runway through three distinct creative perspectives. From Avant Toi’s material experimentation and LeoDean’s contemporary Mediterranean aesthetic to UNBREAKIT’s artistic expression, the showcase reflected the diversity and evolving language of Italian fashion. Collaborations such as these play an important role in strengthening creative exchange between India and Italy, and we are delighted to have presented these labels at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.”
Designer, Avant Toi, said, “Traces of Memory explores the beauty of imperfection through textures, colours and materials shaped by nature. It was a pleasure to bring our approach to Italian craftsmanship and experimentation to the Indian runway.”
LeoDean brought a contemporary Mediterranean sensibility to the runway with its inaugural Spring/Summer 2027 collection, ‘The Uniform of the Modern Mediterranean Nomad’. Inspired by a woman moving effortlessly between cities and coastlines, the collection captured the understated elegance of destinations ranging from Florence and Milan to Capri, Ibiza and Saint-Tropez. Relaxed yet precise silhouettes, tactile fabrics and considered construction defined a wardrobe designed to transition seamlessly from travel and daytime engagements to evening occasions. Combining technical and natural fabrics of Italian origin with distinctive finishes, the collection presented a refined approach to resort-to-city dressing, balancing functionality, versatility and quiet luxury.
Designer, LeoDean, said, “Our collection celebrates the effortless elegance of Mediterranean living through versatile silhouettes and refined materials. We are delighted to have introduced our vision of contemporary Italian luxury to the Indian audience.”
UNBREAKIT completed the showcase with its distinctive art-led approach to fashion, bringing together expressive prints, individualistic silhouettes and Italian craftsmanship. Founded in Milan by artist Silvano Negri, with Giorgia Both leading the label’s seasonal design direction, UNBREAKIT explored the relationship between visual art and clothing, transforming artistic expression into wearable creations. Produced in Italy using locally sourced materials, the pieces reflected the label’s emphasis on individuality, original artwork and a creative approach to dressing, where each garment became an extension of the wearer’s personality.
Giorgia Both, Principal Designer, UNBREAKIT, said, “At UNBREAKIT, we see fashion as an extension of art and individuality. Through this showcase, we wanted to celebrate creative freedom and the beauty of expressing one’s unique identity.”
The Italian Trade Agency, commented, “Eccellenza – The artisans of Italian Style celebrates the craftsmanship, creativity and innovation that define Italian fashion. Through this collaboration, we are pleased to showcase the diversity of Italian design and strengthen creative ties with India’s fashion industry.”
Bringing together three individual yet complementary design philosophies, Eccellenza – The artisans of Italian Style celebrated the evolving language of Italian fashion, where artisanal expertise, innovation and creative expression continue to shape contemporary luxury. Presented at Taj Palace, New Delhi, on 17 October 2026, the showcase marked another chapter in the cultural and creative exchange between India and Italy at Lakmē Fashion Week in partnership with FDCI.
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: House Of Lakmē
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, whose heritage is soaked in the flavours of indigenous crafts. For more information, please visit: www.fdci.org
About Reliance Brands:
Reliance Brands Limited (RBL) is a subsidiary of Reliance Retail Ventures Ltd and began operations in 2007 with a mandate to launch and build global brands in luxury to premium segments across fashion and lifestyle. Its current portfolio of brand partnerships comprises Armani Exchange, Armani Caffe, Balenciaga, Bally, Bottega Veneta, Brooks Brothers, Burberry, Canali, Coach, Diesel, Dune, EA7, Elan Cafe, Emporio Armani, Gas, Giorgio Armani, Hamleys, Hugo Boss, Hunkemoller, Iconix, Jimmy Choo, Kate Spade, La Martina, Lenscrafters, Manish Malhotra, Michael Kors, Mothercare, Muji, Paul & Shark, Paul Smith, Pottery Barn, Pottery Barn Kids, Pret A Manger, Raghavendra Rathore, Salvatore Ferragamo, Satya Paul, Steve Madden, Superdry, Scotch & Soda, Tiffany & Co., Tod’s, Tory Burch, Tumi, Valentino, Versace, Villeroy & Boch, West Elm, Zegna. RBL today operates 1,621 doors split into 934 stores and 687 shop-in-shops in India. In the past five years, RBL has also invested in building and operating homegrown designer brands besides acquiring the iconic British toy retailer Hamleys. Globally, Hamleys has 191 stores across 14 countries.
For more information, please visit: https://relianceretail.com/partner-brands.html
